On February 20, BLW Deputy Director Bernard Belk signed an agreement with the Canton of Thurgau and the supporting association for the regional development project (PRE) 'terrafood'. This marks the start of the implementation of the 48th project at the national level to be supported by the Federal Office for Agriculture (BLW). PRE terrafood promotes the production of endive, potatoes, and onions, raises awareness of food waste, and offers support for joint marketing. The planned total investment amounts to 31.6 million CHF (35.2 million USD). The federal government and the canton will provide a total of 6.7 million CHF (7.5 million USD) in support over the next six years.
The Gamper company is part of the PRE terrafood. Ten years ago, Gamper started producing organic endive. Now the production site has become too small. However, there is market demand, with 50 percent of organic endive demand currently being imported. Therefore, Gamper would like to build a new organic endive root cold storage and forcing facility.
Another subproject in the PRE terrafood is the association of endive root producers (farmers), which is complemented by an independent advisory body. Endive roots are a niche product, and as such receive little attention in terms of education, advice, and research throughout Switzerland. The aim of the subproject is to ensure knowledge transfer, improve root quality, reduce production costs, and find joint solutions for successful production with fewer pesticides.
Click here for the full article in German.
For more information:
https://gampergemuese.ch/gamper-bio-chicoree/
www.terrafood.ch
