Italy: Apple and pear production affected by a very hot and dry summer

According to local press, in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna the long summer drought and the high and high temperatures are going to affect the 2012 apple and pear production. The plants struggle to set good and colourful fruits, particularly apples. The region's Agriculture Commission already asked for a calamity status with help measures for the affected areas.

In the Modena area another issue is pending on pears: the official selling price. A few days away from the price fixing by the local Board Trade in Modena- which together with Ferrara and Bologna provinces accounts for most of the Abate pear production - growers there wonder why the price at the Board Trade is lower than in the other two areas. According to growers associations, the producers don't have a big say in the pricing which is mostly done by big cooperatives.