2013 was a fluctuating year for asparagus - low temperatures and rain in spring affected production, but prices were good for the high-quality, certified produce. In the meantime, "made in Italy" will be the focus of more attention over he next few years, as crops will be reduced in South America. It is an important occasion, but more cohesion is needed between producers and consortia, as it is not possible to operate as "singles" in a global market.
This is the analysis from Antonio Benozzi (in the photo), the chairman of the Consorzio dell'Asparago di Badoere IGP, about an asparagus which is cultivated in the Padua, Treviso and Venezia provinces. Only 900 tons are harvested, but they are increasing.
The Consortium recently attended Macfrut 2013 for the first time, and the outcome was positive: "It was a truly positive experience because we have improved our relations with the other eight consortia in the Veneto region, which have been attending these events as one for a year now, thanks to the Psr project. Many visitors were interested in our product and that's why the Consortium listed Macfrut as an event not to be missed, just like Tuttofoodin Milan, Cibus in Parma as well as Fruit Logistica in Berlin and Fruit Attraction in Madrid."
"The only negative thing is that the event is at a time when there are no asparagus. Therefore we brought along produce pickled in oil and sweet and sour mix, which meant we could assess the feedback and perhaps consider designating part of our production to these type of products, so as to extend the season."
In the meantime, the experiments of Veneto Agricoltura at the "Po di Tramontana" centre continue, as 70 hybrids (there were 120 until spring) are being evaluated. They are varieties already popular in other European countries which are confronted with new Italian hybrids.
Contacts:
Consorzio dell’Asparago di Badoere
Piazza Indipendenza 2
31050 Badoere di Morgano (TV) - Italy
Tel. and Fax: (+39) 49 9350001
Email: info@asparagodibadoere.it