The Apulian cherry sector is today in a clearly vulnerable position, characterised by a delay in varietal innovation and the presence of antiquated plants, whose product often does not fully reflect the needs of the current market.
The recent National Conference on the cherry tree in Sammichele di Bari highlighted the criticalities of the local cherry sector, while recognising the competitive potential of the area's cherries, capable of competing with more advanced markets such as that of Vignola, despite a significantly smaller cultivated surface.
The event marked a turning point for the entire supply chain, offering an opportunity for reflection and comparison between the various actors involved. Mayor Lorenzo Netti emphasised the strategic importance of the cherry as a symbol of the territory, not only economically but also culturally. This initiative, held in April in view of the next harvest, provided a space to evaluate the future path of the supply chain.
During the conference, several crucial issues emerged. Luca Fortunato highlighted the urgent need for varietal innovation, emphasising that it is no longer a choice, but an unavoidable necessity. He also mentioned varietal standardisation as a tool to ensure better product identification on the market.
At the same time, new cultivation strategies were discussed, including the use of covers to meet the challenges of climate change and ensure consistent product quality. Stefano Borraci emphasised the importance of investments in these technologies, while Massimiliano Del Core highlighted the importance of aggregation among producers to successfully face future challenges.
Donato Di Palma reiterated the importance of preserving the distinctive characteristics of native varieties to remain competitive in the markets, citing the Ferrovia variety as an example.
Finally, the debate also involved the political sphere, with Francesco Paolicelli announcing measures to incentivise varietal innovation and the use of covers in cherry cultivation, with the aim of increasing disease resistance and improving productivity. In summary, the conference was an important opportunity to outline the future of the cherry sector, focusing on varietal innovation, new cultivation strategies and the political support needed to meet the challenges of the sector.
Source: FoglieTv
Image: BariLive.it
15 Aug 2025
A Serbian research on 27 native cherry genotypes identifies resistant, adaptable, and low-vigor rootstocks, ideal for sustainable and resilient fruit growing. A key step to meet climate challenges in modern agriculture across Europe and beyond.
03 Jul 2024
'Thanks to the early blossoming this year, the harvest is particularly early,' explains Claus Schliecker, president of Landvolk Niedersachsen. He and his colleagues invest around EUR 120,000 per hectare to cover the cherry trees with rain covers and insect nets.
25 May 2026
In Massimo Biondi’s biodynamic cherry orchard near Cesena, cover crops, microbiota and organic matter improve fertility, resilience and water management. Sweet varieties on Gisela 6 target yields between 80 and 100 quintals per hectare, showing living soil value in orchards.
25 May 2026
Chile’s cherry logistics to China face pressure after a 2025-2026 season with above 445,000 tonnes exported and lower-than-expected returns. At the Global Cherry Summit, Frutas de Chile highlights efficiency, cold chain and reliable transit timing for Cherry Express services.
