After the slowdown of the past few years, Patata dell'Alto Viterbese Igp has registered a further 20% drop during the new campaign. Up until four years ago, production reached 22,000 tons, while this year it will hover around 12,500 tons. Harvesting started in early August and the PGI produce is now becoming available.
As reported by Mirko Giuliani, agronomist of Consorzio Cooperativo Ortofrutticolo Alto Viterbese (CCORAV), there are different causes for this. "There is no generational replacement in some companies, so they no longer produce. Plus sowing was one month late this year and extreme weather events such as heavy rain in May/June and heat waves between late June led to a reduced production. Furthermore, diseases are spreading as we can no longer use certain plant protection products."
Things are not looking better when it comes to the next few years either. "We are rather worried. It's a situation for which there is no short-term solution. Climate change does not enable us to make plans, as every season is different. Then there is the now constant presence of wireworms. Few products can be used to counter them and they do not perform a drastic action."
From the point of view of prices, "they are high when it comes to both the PGI and traditional produce. Potatoes are lacking all over the country, not just in our area, so quotations increase. We do wonder though, if the high prices will be enough to cover production costs, create a profit margin and lead members to grow potatoes again."
CCORAV specializes in potatoes however, a few years ago, it introduced new crops to guarantee the rotation cycle and improve soil health by optimizing the level of nutrients and counter the pressure of parasites and weeds. These include pulses and cauliflower.
"Cauliflowers represent 10-15% of the production of the consortium and our associates grow them when there are no potatoes. The product sells well and represents a good alternative in which to invest. The next campaign should start around September 20th."
CCORAV gathers four cooperatives based in the area between the Bolsena lake, Tuscany and Umbria, and the municipalities of Grotte di Castro, San Lorenzo Nuovo, Onano, Latera, Acquapendente and Gradoli.
Photos provided by Mirko Giuliani
For further information: www.ccorav.it
