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Focus on young people and human resources for the future of fruit growing in Val Venosta
VIP looks to young people to ensure a significant future for fruit growing in Val Venosta, placing the issue of human resources among its strategic objectives.
28/08/2024
The General Manager of the Consortium, Martin Pinzger, states: "In order to continue being reliable partners for our associated producers and customers, we must be realistic, consistent, and aware of the risks in this delicate phase, where the issue of climate change is coupled with a critical challenge that we can describe as demographic, relating to people willing to work in agriculture—not just in terms of labour, but also in terms of specialised individuals ready to take on responsibilities in agricultural enterprises. This must be said with complete honesty because, looking ahead, these are the real problems of our sector if we do not act today to make our activity and environment even more attractive than they already are”.
The General Manager of VIP clarifies: "We have strong values, a deep connection to our territory, and great specialization, but it would be a mistake not to reflect on these issues.Regarding labour, we can consider ourselves fortunate. On one the hand, the fragmentation of our agricultural enterprises might seem alarming, with 1,600 production units spread over 5,200 hectares, averaging just over 3 hectares per farm. However, the small family farm can better absorb the stress caused by labour shortages, managing many activities independently and only seeking external help during peak harvest times. The wide variety assortment we have in the valley also helps, allowing us to spread out the harvest over several months. If we relied on large-scale farms, we would instead risk a complete halt in operations from one day to the next. However, we must not become complacent about this small but significant advantage. To support our programmes and secure a future, we must count on young people stepping up, aware that despite all the innovations and technologies, including the latest in artificial intelligence, which offer support, apple farming is no walk in the park".
VIP can offer young people a specialised and structured environment in which to produce renowned agriculture. Director Pinzger says: "We are able to adapt flexibly and promptly to market developments, seizing opportunities for the benefit of our members. We also have observed a positive trend in the European market, which has led to a continuous expansion of domestic production and an increase in the sales of European apples during the summer. As a result, import volumes from the Southern Hemisphere have gradually declined. We closely monitor the ongoing changes in distribution, where major retail chains and increasingly discount stores are taking the lead, adapting to their needs both in terms of assortment and service. We have facilities increasingly protected by frost-irrigation, drip irrigation, hail nets, and the most advanced tools available for agricultural production today".
Looking to the future, with economic sustainability in mind for members and customers, VIP also considers alliances within the broader apple farming system. Martin Pinzger emphasises: "We must not forget that we do not operate alone but within the cooperative system where the vast majority of the Italian apple sector finds common ground in managing and addressing similar issues. We must rely on producer organisations (POs) and strengthen ties around Assomela for the future".
Looking further into the future, there is an element of Val Venosta that may hold particular appeal for young people sensitive to environmental issues: "We believe in the future of organic farming," concludes Pinzger, "and in continuing to assert our position as a leader in Europe in terms of quantity, quality, and service. We defend the areas dedicated to organic farming and we can say that, after emerging from a challenging phase of production, our confidence in organic farming has been rewarded. Today we are concluding a satisfying season, just as the integrated production campaign has also been satisfying."
The General Manager of the Consortium, Martin Pinzger, states: "In order to continue being reliable partners for our associated producers and customers, we must be realistic, consistent, and aware of the risks in this delicate phase, where the issue of climate change is coupled with a critical challenge that we can describe as demographic, relating to people willing to work in agriculture—not just in terms of labour, but also in terms of specialised individuals ready to take on responsibilities in agricultural enterprises. This must be said with complete honesty because, looking ahead, these are the real problems of our sector if we do not act today to make our activity and environment even more attractive than they already are”.
The General Manager of VIP clarifies: "We have strong values, a deep connection to our territory, and great specialization, but it would be a mistake not to reflect on these issues.Regarding labour, we can consider ourselves fortunate. On one the hand, the fragmentation of our agricultural enterprises might seem alarming, with 1,600 production units spread over 5,200 hectares, averaging just over 3 hectares per farm. However, the small family farm can better absorb the stress caused by labour shortages, managing many activities independently and only seeking external help during peak harvest times. The wide variety assortment we have in the valley also helps, allowing us to spread out the harvest over several months. If we relied on large-scale farms, we would instead risk a complete halt in operations from one day to the next. However, we must not become complacent about this small but significant advantage. To support our programmes and secure a future, we must count on young people stepping up, aware that despite all the innovations and technologies, including the latest in artificial intelligence, which offer support, apple farming is no walk in the park".
VIP can offer young people a specialised and structured environment in which to produce renowned agriculture. Director Pinzger says: "We are able to adapt flexibly and promptly to market developments, seizing opportunities for the benefit of our members. We also have observed a positive trend in the European market, which has led to a continuous expansion of domestic production and an increase in the sales of European apples during the summer. As a result, import volumes from the Southern Hemisphere have gradually declined. We closely monitor the ongoing changes in distribution, where major retail chains and increasingly discount stores are taking the lead, adapting to their needs both in terms of assortment and service. We have facilities increasingly protected by frost-irrigation, drip irrigation, hail nets, and the most advanced tools available for agricultural production today".
Looking to the future, with economic sustainability in mind for members and customers, VIP also considers alliances within the broader apple farming system. Martin Pinzger emphasises: "We must not forget that we do not operate alone but within the cooperative system where the vast majority of the Italian apple sector finds common ground in managing and addressing similar issues. We must rely on producer organisations (POs) and strengthen ties around Assomela for the future".
Looking further into the future, there is an element of Val Venosta that may hold particular appeal for young people sensitive to environmental issues: "We believe in the future of organic farming," concludes Pinzger, "and in continuing to assert our position as a leader in Europe in terms of quantity, quality, and service. We defend the areas dedicated to organic farming and we can say that, after emerging from a challenging phase of production, our confidence in organic farming has been rewarded. Today we are concluding a satisfying season, just as the integrated production campaign has also been satisfying."
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VIP strengthens its organic presence in the European market after a highly successful summer season
An exceptional summer season for VIP's organic apples. This is confirmed by Gerhard Eberhöfer, the Bio Product Manager, who explains: "The availability of organic apples in Europe was very limited, and VIP was among the few players able to meet market demand with a consistently high-quality product, thereby fending off the entry of organic apples from Southern Hemisphere countries".