Due to the anomalous heat in spring, which blocked flowering and rendered buds unproductive, the production of the prized Ferrovia cherries has drastically decreased, with a drop of 50-60% compared to last year. Coldiretti Puglia has reported this collapse in cherry production, first Bigarreau and now Ferrovia, and has requested the recognition of a natural disaster state through field inspections by technicians from the Region of Puglia.
The situation is further exacerbated for farmers due to the increase in production costs and severe drought, without a corresponding adjustment in sales prices. Additionally, there is a risk that the market will be flooded with foreign products of dubious origin and quality, aggravating food inflation and slowing down consumption, with families forced to cut back on purchases.
Coldiretti Puglia highlights the enormous difference between the costs of products in the countryside and those at retail, also influenced by logistics costs that can account for up to a third of the final price.
Speculations along the supply chain, from the field to the table, must also be countered by the Vigili dell’Annona. It is essential to have strict monitoring of the origin of horticultural products imported from North African countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco.
Puglia is the main producer of cherries in Italy, with a production of nearly 32 thousand tons representing 35% of national production and 62% of the cultivated area, with a turnover of about 22 million euros. Production is mainly concentrated in the province of Bari, which alone accounts for 96.4% of regional production and 39% of national production.
Coldiretti Puglia emphasizes the importance of cherry quality, intended exclusively for fresh consumption. The Ferrovia variety, in particular, requires care in the phases of cultivation and harvesting, operations that cannot be replaced by machines.
Cherries are a beloved fruit for their low-calorie content and richness in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, C, B vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur. They also contain natural melatonin, useful for promoting sleep, and antioxidants that combat cellular aging.
In response to unfair competition and issues related to trade agreements, Coldiretti Puglia welcomes the announcement from the European Commission not to proceed with a trade agreement with Mercosur countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This agreement could have introduced agri-food products that do not conform to EU standards of environmental sustainability and food safety.
To enhance and protect local production, Coldiretti Puglia proposes the creation of a territorial brand like the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), which highlights the unique characteristics and quality of Apulian cherries. This initiative could make a traditional and typical crop of the region more competitive, strengthening the bond between producers and consumers and promoting direct sales.
Finally, Coldiretti Puglia emphasizes the importance of building a value chain that enhances the product through a clear territorial characterization, ensuring food safety and a transparent relationship between companies and citizens.
Source: Fruitbook Magazine
Image: myfruit.it
16 Oct 2025
Catalonia starts the release of Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid used for the biological control of Drosophila suzukii. The goal is to reduce pesticide use in cherry, strawberry and berry crops, supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fruit production system.
04 Sep 2026
Strigolactones strengthen postharvest defenses in sweet cherries against Botrytis cinerea. Research on the Xianfeng cultivar shows that 0.1 μM reduces gray mold, lesion development and fungal biomass by activating phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and defense proteins.
24 Sep 2026
Flower thinning helps regulate crop load in apple, peach, pear, cherry and plum trees. Manual, mechanical and chemical methods can improve fruit size, quality and production consistency, but timing, intensity, cultivar and local conditions must be assessed carefully.
24 Sep 2026
In Germany, Alten Land cherries are left on trees as rising costs, imports and climate pressure strain the fresh produce chain. Retailers face a key challenge: balancing prices, regional sourcing, supply security and long-term resilience across fruit and vegetable supply.
