PGI new carrots from Ispica are among the leading products in Sicily. Sowing is almost over and harvesting will take place in February 2023. Carmelo Calabrese, vice-president of the consortium, reported about the current situation.
Carmelo Calabrese
"Sowing started in mid-September and should end at around November 5-10. This year was characterized by the lack of rain, which forced producers to irrigate more to prepare the beds as well as right after sowing to favor germination. While the general conditions for sowing were excellent, the need to irrigate deeply affected the energy costs," said Calabrese.
"The emergence of plants from the soil was also regular and, although it seemed like there would be a 30% drop in crops at first, cultivated areas now seem in line with last year with only a 10% drop. We could say crops in Sicily cover around 1600 hectares in total."
"September sowing was characterized by high temperatures throughout October as well, this is why foliage is more developed than usual. In general, were it not for the increases in production costs, this year we could report being fully pleased with the first part of the campaign. We are now waiting for harvesting operations to begin, which will start around mid-February 2023. We are hoping that the campaign will recognize the quality of this product and bring satisfaction to producers."
For further information: 
Carmelo Calabrese
Consorzio di Tutela
Carota Novella di Ispica Igp
Via B. Spadaro, 97
97014 Ispica (RG) Italy
info@carotanovellaigp.it
www.carotanovellaigp.it