The water situation is not yet critical in Fucino (Abruzzo) but operators are careful not to waste one drop, as things may get worse soon if it doesn't rain. "Some of our producers told me water is rationed at the weekend, meaning they can't irrigate from Saturday at 8 am to Monday at 8 am. Those who are well-organised have no problems, but the others risk losing money," explains Marco Babbi, sales manager for Caligari&Babbi (Forlì-Cesena).
Babbi adds that the high temperatures are taking their toll on the produce as quantities are decreasing. However, quality remains good. It hasn't rained for months and, in order to put out wildfires, helicopters had to take water from an irrigation canal that serves a large area.
As regards the current market situation, Babbi reports that fennel consumption is in line with the period average. It tends to be lower in summer, but exports help sales. Prices are not brilliant, though, just like for other vegetables.
"Quality was excellent in the past few months, especially for the spring produce from Romagna. In Fucino, the frost in April affected productivity. The difference between surviving and having good produce is adopting the best varieties and state-of-the-art crop techniques. For example, we now produce in cooperation with operators to have the best guarantees."
