Everything is being set out to prepare the next campaign. We asked some of our readers for an assessment of the past few months.
It emerged that the vegetable season cannot be considered positive thus far, as winter was characterised by frost and low yields due to the cold temperatures, while spring and summer were characterised by low prices and an increasing number of diseases such as viruses and Tuta absoluta in primis.
The best performances were recorded by cherry and plum tomatoes, while all salad tomatoes didn't do very well.
Courgettes and peppers also didn't do so well, though aubergines did better in terms of quality and prices.
This summer, prices were in line with the season i.e. medium-low, but forecasts seem more positive for winter and next spring. The heat and lack of water may affect volumes and quality but most vegetable producers, especially in the Ragusa area, have artificial reservoirs. After all, production doesn't really stop in this area and the lack of water is endemic in Sicily, meaning the agricultural world has always had to make due and find solutions to deal with it.
The market is currently being affected by undefined low prices, but things seem to have picked up slightly in September.
Sicilian vegetables have always had to deal with produce from Spain, but new competitors such as the Netherlands seem to have emerged.
The best defence remains high-quality and Sicily feels its productions have everything it takes. However, supply must be concentrated with a focus on the territory's unique characteristics.
Courgettes and peppers also didn't do so well, though aubergines did better in terms of quality and prices.
This summer, prices were in line with the season i.e. medium-low, but forecasts seem more positive for winter and next spring. The heat and lack of water may affect volumes and quality but most vegetable producers, especially in the Ragusa area, have artificial reservoirs. After all, production doesn't really stop in this area and the lack of water is endemic in Sicily, meaning the agricultural world has always had to make due and find solutions to deal with it.
The market is currently being affected by undefined low prices, but things seem to have picked up slightly in September.
Sicilian vegetables have always had to deal with produce from Spain, but new competitors such as the Netherlands seem to have emerged.
The best defence remains high-quality and Sicily feels its productions have everything it takes. However, supply must be concentrated with a focus on the territory's unique characteristics.