MADRID: It will be a summer to remember for potatoes, as exports were good both in July and early August. “France needed produce because the early varieties were late, there were downy mildew problems and rain delayed harvesting. Spain also faced a lack of produce,” explains Roberto Piazza, director of Fedagro Acmo Bologna.
“Almost 10 thousand tons of produce were shipped from Emilia-Romagna and Veneto.” This had positive effects for Italian producers. First of all, as there was less produce available on the domestic market, prices rose to 20 and 22 cents per kg, covering production costs. This is especially true if we consider that yields reached 50-60 tons per ha in some areas.”
In addition, it is usually true that, if you work well with a supplier, you do not usually change things. “We managed to showcase our high-quality produce and we may have opened a few doors for the future too.”
Harvesting is now over in Veneto and is ending in Emilia-Romagna as well. The produce is placed in cold storage units to guarantee the supplies throughout the rest of the season. “We started well and are confident that the next few months will also be positive for Italian potatoes.”
