Italian peach and nectarine production slightly down

Italian production of peaches and nectarines in 2005 was down by about 4 percent from 2004 at 1.55 million metric tons (MT), according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attaché for the country. The low production volumes are primarily due to lower yields for nectarines, especially late varieties, while peach production remained in line with 2004 production levels. Quality and size of the fruit have remained generally satisfactory.