In this climate characterized by market uncertainty, energy crises and particularly warm and dry weather, "Aziende Agricole Associate Marina Iblea" started harvesting its first vegetables.
Giorgio Licitra
"We are hopeful, as crops are looking good with this weather even though production costs have increased when it comes to fertilizers, plastic materials, packaging, transport and energy. Nonetheless, the company continues to invest in this sector, so much so that we have added 10 hectares of protected crops and have widened our product range to include zucchini and bell peppers as well as tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants," explained Giorgio Licitra, manager of the Sicilian company.
"It may be a hazard to invest in this socio-economic context where the lack of labor is also leading producers to reduce the cultivated areas or opt for crops that need fewer resources."
"In our specific case, thanks to the relationship of respect and trust we have with our collaborators, we have limited the effects of this problem. Uncertainty is currently tangible on the markets and it can be perceived also when it comes to the choices made by consumers. This is in turn reflected on production prices, which are medium-low considering the period. The summer-like temperatures that are lasting in Sicily and all over Italy also have their importance as, while they should be pushing the consumption on fruits and vegetables, they also mean our competitors from central and northern Italy and Europe are still present on the market."
"We are hoping winter and its usual low temperatures will arrive soon. The prices of cherry tomatoes currently hover between €1.50 and €1.80/kg depending on quality. Those of bunch tomatoes are €1.30/kg, cucumbers and eggplants sell at €0.50-0.70/kg and zucchini sell at between €0.50-0.70/kg."
For further information: 
Giorgio Licitra
Marina Iblea Soc. Cons. Agr. a r.l.
C/Da Gaddimeli, S. P. 36 Km 3,8 sn,
97010 Marina Di Ragusa (RG) - Italy
+39 3358121639
[email protected]
www.marinaiblea.it