Economic assessment of sicilian loquat orchards

The majority of Italian production of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) derives from the Palermo province, along the northern Sicilian coast. However, this area is characterized by family orchards, traditional cultural techniques, and inadequate commercial organization. These appear to affect negatively the production costs and reduce the farmers’ income, decreasing the competitiveness of Sicilian loquat orchards. This study evaluates the economic viability of Sicilian loquat orchards by means of cost-benefit analysis (CBA). In particular, for the investment assessment some financial indicators have been calculated such as net present value (NPV), discounted payback time (DPBT), and internal r…

Economic evaluation of PDO introduction in Sicilian orange farms

The south-western part of Sicily is the largest Italian production area of Navel oranges where in 2008 it was established the Arancia di Ribera Prot ected Designation of Origin (PDO). The aim of the paper was to ana lyze the effect that the PDO introduction determined on farm profitability and sustainability. To this end, it was carried out an economic analysis on some representative orange farms of PDO area.

Marketing strategies for mediterranean wineries competitiveness the case of pantelleria

Pantelleria is the largest of the Sicilian satellite islands. Its economy, after tourism, is based on farming. The main crop is the “Zibibbo” grape, from which it is obtained “Passito” and “Moscato di Pantelleria”, both sweet fortified wines. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible marketing strategies in order to boost the competitiveness of the Pantellian wine sector that produce a controlled designation of origin product. Besides, through an appropriate survey, we studied the organizational models of Pantellian wineries. In addition, through SWOT analysis, we spelled out the main factors of specificity of Pantellian wine chain to promote appropriate individual and collective co…

PROFITABILITY OF SMALL LOQUAT FARMS IN SICILY

The northern Sicilian coastline, known for its favorable soil and climatic conditions, represents the main production area in Italy for loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). Over the years, the absence of process innovation and appropriate marketing strategies caused a gradual decline of loquat cultivation. This study estimates the profitability of some representative Sicilian farms that grow loquat in the area of Trabia (Palermo Province), where this crop is important for the local economy. The results highlighted a productive scenario characterized by high production costs, where only a family farm that supplies much of its own labor can survive.

Deep-sea shrimp fishery in Sicily: The economic performance of the shrimp trawling fleet in the ports of Mazara del Vallo, Sciacca, and Porto Empedocle

Shrimp fishing in Sicily is carried out by fishing companies using trawlers and multifunctional vessels equipped with trawling nets, in a complex and worrisome context, because of the decrease in catch over the last few years. After analysing the structural characteristics of Sicilian trawling, the study concentrates on the three most important shrimp fishing ports in Sicily: Mazara del Vallo, Sciacca, and Porto Empedocle. For each fleet, through a sample analysis, economic performance has been evaluated for the period from 2001 to 2003. Finally, a comparative analysis of the economic performance of the surveyed companies is carried out through a comparison of daily economic productivity in…

The determinants of tourists’ satisfaction in the sicilian agritourism structures: A factor analysis

Costs, revenues and incomes of Sicilian farms that cultivate cactus pear

Sicily, placed at the center of the Mediterranean, for its favorable soil and climatic conditions, represents the main production area of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) in Italy. In this context, the paper aims to estimate production costs, revenues and incomes of the Sicilian farms that cultivate cactus pear. The economic analysis has been carried out in the area of Santa Margherita Belice (AG), where the cultivation of cactus pear assumes a significant importance for the economy of the territory and where in last years many farmers have implanted specialized plantations also for the support granted by the EU agricultural policy. Economic analysis has involved 20 farms specia…