Aspetti commerciali ed economici degli agrumi siciliani

This study examines the today conditions of the Sicilian citrus crop sector and investigates the consumer preference structure. The citrus farming system is affected by a long-lasting disadvantage due to structure restrictions in addition to management limits. Some studies case have confirmed that farms are frequently based on a too small crop growing area and this is one of the stronger problems in order to achieve better efficiency. The analysis of consumers? preferences has been carried out with a two step approach based on direct telephone interviews and on a subsequent postal opinion poll. A good deal of information has been collected on style and motivation of fruit consumption pattern and on the characteristics that the citrus consumers regard as of highest significance. Consumers have clearly expressed the call for a superior information and certification service in order to protect the agreeable and healthy features of citrus fruits.