The Alava-based cooperative Udapa is going to carry out an agronomic and commercial acceptance study on the Beltza potato variety, a new purple potato developed by the Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Neiker.
The cooperative has already sowed the seeds transferred by Neiker in one of its farms. The harvest obtained, estimated at 8,000 kg, will be used for the commercial acceptance study, with Udapa marketing the Beltza potato through its customers in the large retail sector.
The results of this test will allow the cooperative to assess the possibility of producing and marketing this variety in the future. The agreement has been signed by Leire Barañano, general director of Neiker, and Alfonso Sáenz de Cámara, general director of Udapa.
Neiker registered the Beltza variety in the European Register of Protected Varieties in 2019. This variety has a high content of antioxidant compounds, with the consequent health benefits. Moreover, it has a high enough quality to be used in the catering sector and for the manufacture of fresh cut and ready-to-eat products.
"At Udapa, we are delighted to take part in the growing of this new variety, making the most of the knowledge of our technicians and producers," says Sáenz de Cámara. "Furthermore, carrying out this agronomic study will help us strengthen our commitment to supporting local agriculture, adding value to potatoes through the marketing of new products that are perfectly adapted to current consumer demands."
Source: retailactual.com