AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FOR THE CITY: "PILOT-CULTIVATIONS" IN THE TERRITORY OF PALERMO (ITALY)

For a long time the crisis of the Italian citrus sector has caused, in most districts of Sicily, a conversion of citrus cultivations mainly into vegetables and others fruits. On the contrary the territory of Bagheria, near Palermo, once centre of the citrus cultivations of the “Conca d’oro”, has been marked by unsuccessful or slow conversions. These cultivations currently remain abandoned, causing serious repercussions not only on the local rural economy but on the territory and the landscape as well. In fact, as the decades have passed, the loss of interest in agricultural income, along with the pressure of urbanization, has produced, in the territory of Bagheria, a progressive fragmentation of landed property.
Given the current structural situation, the local agricultural compartment needs to be reprojected by introducing profitable innovative products or processes. Our Research Unit of Bagheria, relying on recent technical-scientific results and with the contribution of the Regional Province of Palermo, has proposed alternatives to citrus with “pilot-cultivations” in model-farms in the territory of Palermo. Four young farmers in the area were provided with the technical means to sustainably grow, and market alternative crops. After two years each of the farmers has been successful and intends to expand their operation. Comparison of specific cultivars of apricots and plums has enabled them to identify the varieties with the most financial promise.