In the North, already about 80% of the surfaces have been planted and operations should be finished during the second week in June. The weather was cold with rains until 15 May but currently temperatures are 8 to 10 °C higher than normal with  34-35°C which is completely unusual. Consequently, transplanting operations are stopping in the central part of the day. The situation is  actually quite smooth with no major issue, and we will see if the heat has any incidence. There is no change in the forecast.

In the Centre and South, it is also currently very hot. Transplanting is going well despite delays in the northern zones in Puglia and Molise due to the rains in early May, which however had the advantage of filling the reservoirs. Negotiations with growers are continuing  but a meeting in Foggia this week did not enable to reach an agreement as OPs argue that higher costs of energy, fertilisers and other inputs should lead to a price no lower than last year, while processors would like to see a reduction as was agreed in the north. As usual processors are ready to pay a higher price consequently to the harvest in small bins. It is more expensive for farmers and for processors, but ensures a better quality.  It is probable that surfaces will increase in the south, and thus possibly volumes although yields are uncertain based on the issues of the last few years.