Asparagus picking in the north-east Italian region of Veneto has reportedly started slightly later than usual, with the first consignments of white and green asparagus from covered production arriving from the area around Padua.
According to Italiafruit, a good quality crop is expected but this season's volumes are likely to be slightly lower than last year due to recent harsh winter weather.
Meanwhile, the country's farming organisation Cia has warned of the possible negative impact from further cold conditions expected shortly.
"The heavy rains of recent days have caused and in fact extended flooding, and therefore asphyxiated the ground, especially for clay soils that retain water on the surface," a spokesperson said.
"Now the concern is especially for early spring: strawberries, artichokes, asparagus and beans, which are in an advanced but also most delicate stage of growth. At this time a frost, a sudden wave of cold towards spring, may damage them irreparably and impair the harvest."
More than half of Veneto's annual production is concentrated in the areas around Padua and Verona.
Last year, output in the region fell around 6 per cent to 8,000 tonnes, so this year's crop will most probably not exceed that figure, with prices expected to be good as a result.
Average prices for Veneto asparagus were reported to be around €1.82/kg in week 11.
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