The harvesting of PGI potatoes from Sila started almost one month late at the end of September. "We have harvested 20% of the produce so far, so we are really behind schedule, and we are hoping the weather will favor operations, as the fall season in the Sila area can be tricky," reports Albino Carli, director of Consorzio Produttori Patate Associati-PPAS.
The team of Consorzio Produttori Patate Associati-PPAS and of Consorzio di Tutela Patata della Sila, among the official licensees of Giro d'Italia, during the latest edition of Macfrut
"Yields are 15% lower, at least for the earlier potatoes that are currently being harvested. The delay accumulated due to the ongoing rain during sowing followed by the high temperatures with extreme peaks in July meant we were expecting a drop in volumes. We are hoping later varieties will recover after a very warm September. Luckily quality is good, which is positive considering that the weather caused much greater damages in other areas."
Planning with clients has started
"There was a lot of anticipation, which is usual when the harvesting period approaches. The produce was immediately placed on the usual commercialization markets such as the big retail chains. We are pleased, although the warm weather that lasted until a few days ago did not favor consumption."
Considering the general drop in production, quotations registered an increase, "which will actually compensate the drop in production and which, when it comes to the remuneration of partners, will only translate into a slight improvement compared with last year," explains Carli, who stresses how the increasing cost of fuel during the summer period is what put producers under pressure the most. "On the other hand, the cost of fertilizers has stabilized."
Investing in potatoes is extremely expensive. "Considering climate change and business risks, it is no longer possible to grow one hectare for less than €11,000. It is clear how sales prices become a variable that can guarantee producers a minimum of profitability to enable them to plan future productions."
Expectations for the campaign
"I am expecting this year to be quite balanced. Although there have been price increases in the past, potato consumption has not dropped and the trend is continuing this year too. Premium and certified products continue to be the favorite with consumers despite the price increases affecting the entire fresh produce sector."
The sweet potato project
"The project is continuing and we have reached 80 hectares this year. We believe in this investment a lot, although there have been a few skin quality problems with the first produce harvested. Harvesting has started and the campaign will continue until May/June, depending on destocking. This will be the first actual commercialization season with suitable quantities."
"We are realizing that sweet potatoes can represent a solution for certain types of production areas. Consumption is on the up, as we are noticing from the orders coming in. Our objective is to supply Italian produce throughout the whole year."
The commercialization channels are the same ones of PGI potatoes from Sila. "It is a good match, as sweet potatoes boast a high value as well. They attract clients interested in the healthy and nutritional aspects of a product, so they intercept a target that cares about specific characteristics."
According to the director, sweet potatoes could bring a lot of satisfaction to a (still) small Italian chain.
For further information:
Consorzio produttori patate associati Soc. Coop. Agricola
C/da Garga 4 - S.S. 107 km 83.400
87055 San Giovanni in Fiore (CS) - Italy
[email protected]
www.patateppas.it