The production of table grapes is excellent in terms of quantity and quality this year, though the commercial trend is characterized by fewer orders and reduced revenues due to the cost increases.
Bunches of Regal grapes still unsold. Photo taken on October 12th, 2022.
The situation is particularly difficult for small producers, who are often forced to leave bunches on the vines as sale prices are too low.
Lorenzo, a producer from the Bari province with 10 hectares of vineyards, reports that "during a normal season, I would already have sold almost 90% of the production, but I have barely exceeded 25% so far. Many are worried that they will not survive the current campaign unscathed from a financial point of view."
"Quotations in the field for most of standard-quality grapes are €0.30-0.35/kg, but they drop to €0.25/kg if traders are not fully convinced. We cannot cover production costs with these prices, considering the price increases for cover films, anti-hail nets, energy and pesticides. Agriculture is our job, it is not a hobby. We cannot leave unsold bunches on the vines. Each week that goes by, there are more problems and more expenses, as we are forced to carry out interventions to maintain the fruits intact."
"The current table grape season started rather badly, and we hope it will not get worse. We are hoping that, as in the past, agriculture will find the strength to withstand and react to the storm."
For further information:
Azienda Agricola Pontrelli
+39 3283665701 (Lorenzo)