"We have been working with the cooperative S'Atra Sardigna (Italian: the other Sardinia) for around 30 years. We are no longer just buyers, but we're now also involved with our own greenhouse. For several years, there have been fixed agreements regarding cultivation with the local producers, where tomatoes, celery, artichokes and zucchini are cultivated, among other things. In consultation with Demeter, Bingenheimer Saatgut, and other associations, the project is supported by the cultivation of open-pollinated varieties, at least where it makes sense," says Lance Sidio from Naturkost Elkershausen in Göttingen. He also spoke about the current sale of organic savoy cabbage and the fiscal year 2023.
Stored goods and goods from Portugal of equal quality
Currently, the organic company is still trading with regional stored goods, although goods from Portugal are already being offered. "This are goods from the new harvest, with the price level roughly comparable to the price of stored goods. At present, the outer leaves are increasingly falling away, making the stored goods also brighter. The producers pay great attention to the goods looking appealing, meaning that the stalk is trimmed and possibly individual spots on the outer leaf are adjusted. However, the taste and quality are still very good. We are already being offered goods from Spain and France, but we want to offer as much regional produce as possible for as long as possible. There are still plenty of goods available to the local farmers," says Sidio.
Savoy cabbage is primarily sold at eight to nine heads per 8 kg boxes. "The demand for savoy cabbage is very good. The colder it is, the more cabbage and more citrus fruits are sold. The price level is about 15 to 20 percent higher than in the previous month. After all, our main transporter now demands about 15 percent more for transport costs, which is due to the increased toll charges, CO₂ costs, the increased wage, and energy costs."
Good quality
In the last outdoor season, the savoy cabbage producers also had to grapple with the right harvest time, which is mainly due to the wetness. "Cabbages don't like heat either, but rather wet and cold weather. From 30 degrees, cabbages have their problems. This problem did not exist in 2023. The savoy cabbage heads have grown larger, which also made good quantities available. This also means that the goods can be peeled down well, so that you still have good stored goods available. As more outer leaves are removed, brighter cabbage leaves appear."
They also had difficulties with products like Brussels sprouts, but especially with leeks, due to the wetness. "Currently, the goods are again affected by frost. If the weather climbs back to 8 degrees next week, it may happen that a thawed layer is visible on top, while the goods are still frozen at the bottom. This is currently giving our producers a lot of work."
Cooperation with Biobreizh
The consequences of the big hurricane that came from England and swept across France were also particularly strong in Brittany. "The organic cooperative Biobreizh works with high standards and demands much higher requirements from itself than are required by the EC Organic Regulation. We get cauliflower from them, among other things, but the harvest was leaner than usual. Prices are correspondingly high."
Fiscal year 2023: More price than quality
He found the fiscal year 2023 challenging. "Interest in organic products has by no means waned, but many customers are now looking more into pricing than quality. However, it should be emphasized that you can hardly sell anything when the quality isn't spot on."
According to Sidio, the biggest advantage of organic companies, like Naturkost Elkershausen, lies in the regionality and direct contact with the farmers: "As an organic wholesaler, we always work closely with the farmers and manage to convey directly and transparently to our customers where the goods come from. This is more difficult with international deliveries, but we also have direct contact with the producers in this area. This is something we live and have to show, which also guarantees us a long future."
Up to 200 types of fruit and vegetables can be found in the range of the organic dealer. "Every product has its market. On the other hand, one will notice that when goods become scarce, as is currently the case with mangos, the products are sometimes sold as conventional goods. Normally, Kent and Eduard mango varieties should already come for the conventional sector, but there is nothing around at the moment." Bananas and school fruit were among the bestsellers last year. "We are very pleased that children are increasingly being fed with organic products, which is of course also our strength. But it is especially the German fresh produce that sells very well, especially herbs, carrots, and lettuces and much more."
Sustainable agriculture
Regarding the current farmers' protests, he hears from the organic producers who cooperate with Naturkost Elkershausen that they are particularly concerned about sustainable agriculture. "This refers to agriculture from which your children and grandchildren can also still benefit."
Images: Naturkost Elkershausen
For more information:
Lance Sidio
Naturkost Elkershausen GmbH
Levinstraße 9
37079 Göttingen
Phone: +49 551 5066 10
Fax: +49 551 5066 155
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.naturkost-elkershausen.de