For next tomato processing crop, a general agreement has been reached to define the contract between producer organizations in northern Italy and processing industries that are members of the AIIPA. The benchmarks are based on prices at 70 euros per ton ex works. Throughout the negotiations emerged with clarity the numerous problems of the sector in relation to the uncertainty caused by excessive processed supply and for the imminent demise of EU subsidies to farmers. In the signed agreement all rules of last crop have been confirmed, along with the efforts of professional organizations for a rigid control of the areas in order to avoid redundancies in production. Negotiations followed constantly by the Department of Agriculture of Emilia-Romagna Province, was closed one week in advance compared to the timetable set by law. This result will allow proper planning of sowing and proper organization of the 2010 crop. Among the difficulties this industry there is the one to maintain a sufficient level of profitability for all agents of the in the sector. This situation calls for a search of additional tools to reduce production costs, both agricultural and industrial ones as well as those related with the transportation . The conclusion of the negotiations, despite the general market situation and with a marked reduction in the price of reference, outlines a clear framework within which the different components of the industry can develop their own business decisions. One more time, the organizational model that characterizes our agricultural sector, based on strong cohesion of producers and based on inter-professionals business relations, has proven its worthiness. The overall strategy for the sector has been oriented towards stressing and advertising the high quality level of our products which must be kept and, if possible, furtherly improved both from the p.o.v. of the production and of the management of raw materials for processing and distribution. www.ermesagricoltura.it – 23 February 2010 |