Lower yields for the 2019 tomato season

In Italy the 2019 tomato campaign for the industry has just been completed. A campaign that had never been so far back in time, beyond the third week of October. Total production is estimated at 4.8 million tonnes.

 

 

 

According to data from Organizzazione Interprofessionale OI Pomodoro da Industria del Nord Italia, the volume processed on 13 October reached 2,366,508 tonnes in Northern Italy. This is almost the same amount as last year, with an increase in area (36,600 hectares) but a drop in yields. This year 65 tonnes per hectare against a five-year average of about 70 tonnes per hectare.

 

 

 

At the national level, considering the basins of northern and central-southern Italy, total production is estimated at about 4.8 million tonnes.

 

 

 

The 2019 campaign had to face many climatic hazards. Rains and cold in May, then heat waves did not allow a homogeneous development of plants. Despite a larger area, yields per hectare were much lower than expected. The good weather of September and October allowed a lengthening of the season, which historically had never been so far back in time, beyond the 3rd week of October.