The potato price for the current season has been set at 21 eurocents during a meeting held on 12th January 2018 at the Borsa di Bologna by commercial and producer representatives, the Regione, Cepa as well as other operators.
"Of course we could have obtained more, but we can't complain considering the highly productive year. Volumes are abundant, but the brand is a guarantee of the high quality," explains Cepa President Massimo Cristiani.
This year, as part of the framework agreement, Emilia Romagna produced 120 thousand tons of potatoes. Italy produces 600 thousand tons in total, while consumption reaches 1.2 million tons, therefore half of the produce is imported.
"It's not the easiest of years and I think the price we established, despite not being what we had hoped for, will enable producers to make ends meet. Volumes produced are abundant and the gross saleable production shouldn't be too affected compared to better years for those who managed to obtain a good quality," explains Michele Filippini from Agripat.
Prices were much lower in the past few months but now "quantities are higher and Pdo and branded produce drives prices. Quality is anyway high and there are no storage problems."
Prices were much lower in the past few months but now "quantities are higher and Pdo and branded produce drives prices. Quality is anyway high and there are no storage problems."
"Despite the quantities available, dealers managed to place the produce well. We hope the products from Bologna will become increasingly popular and demanded by consumers."