Fruit growing: €1.5 million call for proposals to strengthen the sector

To further strengthen the fruit-growing sector in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Region has launched a €1.5 million call for proposals for small and medium-sized agricultural businesses. The call will support new tree plantings of at least one hectare and the introduction of high-quality species, in line with consumer demand and using innovative agronomic techniques.

This was stated by the regional councilor for Agri-food Resources, Stefano Zannier, who spoke today at the presentation of the 54th Pantianicco Regional Apple Show, hosted at the Udine headquarters of the Region. "With this event," Councilor Zannier emphasized, "we want to send a concrete signal to agricultural entrepreneurs, supporting those who invest in quality, innovation, and sustainability. Fruit growing in Friuli Venezia Giulia has great potential and represents a sector capable of strengthening the competitiveness of our companies on the national market." Zannier congratulated the Pantianicco Pro Loco for "the excellent results achieved again this year and for the continued growth that demonstrates the importance of teamwork and the vitality of the region."

According to data released by the Regional Agency for Rural Development (ERSA), in 2024, apple orchards in Friuli Venezia Giulia reached 1,098 hectares of cultivated area, with an estimated production of approximately 65,000 tons of apples. The former provinces of Pordenone and Udine remain the most suitable areas, with companies capable of maintaining high quality standards and tapping into increasingly demanding markets. The average annual price of table apples recorded on the Verona Commodity Exchange was €0.67 per kilo, a 24.9% increase compared to 2023, confirming a favorable market situation.