The harvesting of new potatoes in the Guà area in northern Italy - between the provinces of Verona, Vicenza and Padua - will start in a few days' time.
Agiguà (Agricoltura Giovani del Guà) is among the local organisations that cultivate and market these potatoes, an association with 78 members. The average area of member farms is 15 hectares.
An analysis of the current situation emerges from the farmers part of Agiguà: "Harvesting operations will continue at least until late July. From the sampling carried out, we can say that in recent years we have never had such a high quality as in the current season. Therefore, despite a 20% drop in yields, production is high in quality thanks to the favourable climate, with abundant rainfall and mild temperatures recorded in April and May. The red soils crossed by the Guà river provide this tuber with unparalleled organoleptic characteristics.
The main variety is Colomba, a type found in several Italian potato-growing areas. "We are known for being the first area to supply an Italian product that is also ideal for cold storage thanks to the presence of dry matter, which greatly extends their shelf-life."
The main characteristics of these potatoes include their thin, golden skin, round shape, yellow flesh and average size ranging from 45 to 85 mm in diameter, as well as being all purpose.
However, the sector faces significant challenges related to production costs, which continue to rise considerably compared to past years. According to member operators, a concrete example is the cost of seeds, which has risen from €1,200/tonne in 2020s to almost €2,000/tonne. Total production costs amount to about 14,000 €/hectare.
The main sales channel of the association appears to be traders and intermediaries all over Italy. The potatoes are bought locally and also reach foreign markets such as France, Germany and Spain, especially when supply in foreign countries is scarce. "As was the case for the two previous years, for 2025 too the selling price won't be less than 0.50 €/kg. The pressure from the big retail trade is strong and pushes down quotations, just like for all fruit and vegetable items, forcing traders to demand lower prices in the fields."
A situation that generates concern for the future of the crop.
"In the long run, all this will translate into a general lack of interest in potato farming, generating the risk of farmers moving away, as they may consider this activity no longer profitable. Added to this is the lack of government aid specifically for potatoes, unlike for other crops such as corn or processing tomatoes."
For more information:
Agiguà - Agricoltura Giovani del Guà
[email protected]
+39 340 109 7768