A snowy winter in early 2009 led to increased production of various soft fruits including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, as well as cherries, in the Trentino region of north-eastern Italy, it has been confirmed.
According to data published by the San Michele all'Adige Agrarian Institute, this year's total harvest increased to around 8,200 tonnes as a result of the cold winter conditions.
Berry production in Valsugana and surrounding valleys reached 370ha this year, with a further 160ha of sweet cherry production also in place, the institute revealed.
In its report, it said strawberry volumes had risen to 4,250 tonnes in 2009.
'We had an abundant crop in spring and at the start of summer,' explained Claudio Agnolin, the institute's fruit and flower production area manager.
'However, late-summer production was problematic because of the warm and very dry August, which was completely free of rain.'
For cherries, this year's production came in around 1,600 tonnes, with covered production areas reportedly generating 'optimum' fruit sizing and organoleptic characteristics.
According to the institute's report, covering the trees enabled producers to reduce the volume of pesticides they used.
Raspberry production reached 550 tonnes this year, with the most notable development being an increase in production costs which has necessitated a drive for higher sales prices.
The total harvested blackberry crop, meanwhile, amounted to 480 tonnes and, according to the report, producers enjoyed a positive commercial campaign.
Blueberry output, which increased once more this year to 780 tonnes, is set to enjoy further growth in demand during the coming years, the organisation added.
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