Potato planting in Italy held back by bad weather conditions

Heavy and intermittent rains in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region have caused problems with potato plantings. "We are behind schedule in some places," said Massimo Cristiani, chairman of Selenella. "The weather has been more erratic than usual this year. We've had days of rain and very little sunshine. The fields couldn't always drain the water well, so it was difficult to work with the machines."

Fortunately, most of the potatoes were planted before the rainy season. Farmers are now waiting for better weather conditions to plant later. "We are usually well on schedule by the end of March, but this year, we are behind. However, we still have time to catch up. As a growers' association, we have slightly increased the area under cultivation, also thanks to the good market situation in recent years. Now we are hoping for more favorable weather conditions."

The president then takes stock of the market: "We will probably have new potatoes from Sicily ready for marketing by mid-April. It is still too early for an accurate forecast, but if there are no disruptions, this will be more or less the start of the season. The quality is excellent because the weather in Sicily has been ideal for potatoes."

"With regard to last year's harvest, the process of decumulation continues with a smooth transition between the old and the new harvest. Prices for high-quality products such as the Selenella brand have remained good throughout the campaign," concludes Cristiani.

For more information:
Consorzio Patata Italiana di Qualità
Via Tosarelli,155
40050 Villanova di Castenaso (BO)
+39 051 5872419
www.selenella.it