The apple producers of the PGI Poma de Girona have updated their harvest forecasts for 2024, with a total volume estimated at 83,500 tons; a figure that remains close to the average of recent years, although at the same time, the range of varieties produced is the most diverse ever.
The production of Golden Delicious and Granny Smith match the initial forecasts and both have grown moderately. At the same time, the volumes of varieties such as the Red Delicious and Royal Gala will be lower than initially expected. Girona Fruits (Bordils), Giropoma Costa Brava (Ullà) and Fructícola Empordà (Sant Pere Pescador), three companies that produce and market apples, report that this latest harvest has been characterized by the setting of a large number of fruits, which has resulted in the production of smaller sizes.
These figures were presented during the PGI's recent annual assembly of members, in which chef and publicist Pep Nogué also received the Poma de Girona award in recognition of his commitment to promoting the values associated with the Poma de Girona. The meeting was attended by Jaume Armengol, President of Poma de Girona; Vanessa Peiró, Deputy for Girona Excel-lent and Mercados de la Diputació de Girona; Rosa Altisent, Director General of Agriculture and Livestock of the Government of Catalonia; and Pere Parramon, Government Subdelegate in Girona.
Representatives of the PGI Poma de Girona, authorities and Pep Nogué (Photo: Rafel Bosch / Poma de Girona).
In his speech, Jaume Armengol highlighted "the firm commitment to projects to obtain new varieties with controlled productions to meet the demands of consumers and retailers."
Vanessa Peiró said: "We are proud to see that the apple sector is in good health at the moment. Without a doubt, apples are an essential part of the gastronomy of the province of Girona, and we have to vindicate and disseminate it as such."
Rosa Altisent praised the "great work that is being done year after year to ensure that Girona's apples are perceived as a high-quality product that is also closely linked to the region." She also praised "the spirit of constant innovation" observed over the last few years and "the commitment to new varieties adapted to climate change," as well as the "work and good results achieved in aspects such as pest and disease control, infrastructures such as poles and meshes, or the application of Giroreg to deal with the problems caused by drought."
According to Pere Parramon, "the strict quality controls, integrated production techniques and traceability are a testament to the producers' commitment to quality."
Jaume Armengol and Pep Nogué with the Poma de Girona award (Photo: Rafel Bosch / Poma de Girona).
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