The recent frosts in March and April have severely impacted the cherry production in Puglia, Italy's leading cherry-producing region, with losses ranging from 70% to 100% in some areas. Coldiretti Puglia has raised alarms over the dramatic drop in yield, particularly affecting the prized 'Ferrovia' cherries, alongside early varieties like Georgia and Bigarreau. The agricultural association is calling for the declaration of a state of calamity and stricter controls to prevent the market from being flooded with foreign cherries, potentially misleading consumers about their origin.
With Puglia accounting for 30% of Italy's cherry harvest, the repercussions of this production crash are national. The region's 18,000 hectares of cherry orchards, predominantly located in the province of Bari, are at the heart of the crisis. Coldiretti emphasizes the need for vigilance against the import of cherries from North African countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, which may not meet the same environmental, health, and labor standards as those produced within the European Union.
Beyond the immediate loss of production, Puglian farmers are grappling with soaring production costs and a severe drought, further exacerbating the situation. The disparity between rising expenses and stagnant selling prices has placed additional strain on the agricultural sector. Coldiretti Puglia warns of the broader implications for food inflation and consumer spending, as families may be forced to reduce their purchases of cherries and other fruits due to higher prices.
The organization also highlights the risk of speculation in the supply chain, from farm to table, and calls for enhanced oversight by the Vigili dell'Annona to ensure the integrity of fruit products on the market. In response to these challenges, there's a growing trend towards direct sales by producers, aiming to bypass traditional distribution channels and offer consumers guaranteed quality and origin. This crisis underscores the vulnerability of agricultural production to climatic extremes and the importance of sustainable farming practices and robust market regulations.
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