This is how Neda Barbieri (photo above), President of Consorzio Aglio di Voghiera Dop, started off the convention dedicated to garlic held in the presence of the regional councillor for agriculture Simona Caselli and various members of the consortium.
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The event was held at the consortium's headquarters, Fondazione F.lli Navarra in Borgo delle Aie, Voghiera (Ferrara). Luigi Fenati from the foundation and Mayor Chiara Cavicchi welcomed guests.
Group photo. Councillor Caselli and president Barbieri in the middle
The consortium counts over 30 producers owning approximately 200 hectares, while only 30 hectares remained up until 20 years ago. "We are now one of the best consortia in the region."
Ettore Navarra
Ettore Navarra, producer and technical coordinator, explained how a lot of work was done to obtain healthy crops after serious nematode problems affecting yields and quality.
"We intervened immediately as a Regional phytosanitary service to tackle the situation. We found out that often producers used bulbs that were already infected, so we proceeded with a series of steps: 1) sampling 2) soil monitoring 3) bulb selection 4) implementation of correct cultivation and harvesting techniques," explained Maria Giovanna Curto.
Emanuele Coletti (Aglio del Nonno)
This made it possible to map all healthy crops over the past 4 years. The specification establishes that the minimum rotation is 5 years. Emanuele Coletti explained that a PO was created to help members and strengthen their position.
"We won't go anywhere as single companies. By working together and interacting with the Regione, we reached retailers and can now even consider going abroad."
Simona Caselli
"Your product is becoming a symbol and it must be a source of pride, especially since it requires no processing. You managed to promote garlic as well as your territory," added councillor Caselli.
"In Emilia-Romagna, there are 76 thousand operators, with an increase of 9 thousand only in the last year. But related activities generate 300 thousand jobs. This is why your role is extremely important, just like that of any consortium that works well."
Processing at Aglio del Nonno
After the convention, guests visited the Aglio del Nonno and Mazzoni facilities and it was announced at the 20th Fiera dell'Aglio di Voghiera will take place between 4th and 6th August 2017 at Castello del Belriguardo in Voghiera (Ferrara).
Contacts:
Aglio di Voghiera DOP
via Provinciale 15/B
44019 Gualdo di Voghiera (FE)
Email: info@agliodivoghiera.it
Web: www.agliodivoghiera.it