Matteo Freddi (right) and Alessio Costanzo during the convention.
The idea is open to all interested producers and could involve even all those collection/processing and commercialisation businesses that see the project as an opportunity to promote Borettana onions.
"It's an evolution of the 'Borettana zero difetti' project started four years ago. This new idea is called Cipollina Borettana dell'Emilia. By becoming a district, we have a better chance of cooperating and improve the agronomic techniques used by producers. Over the past few years, we managed to commercialise 65% of our yields. The remaining part (35%) went to waste because of harvesting or size defects. We want to commercialise at least 80% of the yield."
Fresh and processed Borettana onions
Freddi started by describing the current limitations of local productions: "We aren't able to guarantee constant quality to intermediate clients and final customers and we aren't able to beat our competitors because their production cost is of around 12/15 eurocents/kg. We are still too inefficient."
Only 65% of the produce collected is commercialised, the rest goes to waste
However, there are some positive aspects. "The market is increasingly demanding products that are connected to a territory, and consumers appreciate a product that maintains its promises and are willing to spend more for it. Retailers make their demands and ask suppliers to help them. Foreign clients come back to buy from us, but still too little. We have noticed consumers are interested about stories and examples of working integrity and we are willing to satisfy this desire."
Shallot
Sata Srl's expert agronomist, Alessandro Costanzo, intervened with some advice for producers. For example, he gave a few indications for fertilising plants in order to reach 40 tons per hectare. "Nitrogen and potassium should be added when it's almost time to sow, then nitrogen-enriched fertilisers should be added at the time of the second leafing. Two further additions can be made when irrigating or when it's raining. Fertilising should stop at least 50 days before harvesting. In addition, it should be planned after a soil analysis which should be carried out every 5 years."
"Fertilising plans are dynamic and can vary depending on weather and crop status. There is no formula that always works, especially when climate conditions are peculiar. Be careful about only using nitrogen - the produce looks good upon harvesting but loses consistency in the warehouse."