"The rain has finally arrived after months of drought, especially in Emilia Romagna, which is good for growing potatoes, as producers could stop irrigating," reports Massimo Cristiani, president of Consorzio Patata Italiana di Qualità .
Massimo Cristiani
"It is not too hot and not too humid with cool, ventilated days. It almost resembles the Dutch weather, which is excellent for growing and developing this crop. If things go on like this, we will start harvesting in Emilia Romagna as of July 10th."
Anyway early potatoes will be harvested as of late June and plants have been cut down over the past few days. "They are grown mainly in the Ferrara area. Producers are cutting down plants to favor the forming of the skin, i.e. the 'ripening' of potatoes."
This practice prevents plants from drying to further reduce the use of chemicals. "Italian potato producers are increasingly careful about the 'eco-friendliness' of their crops. Cutting plants instead of drying them is a step in this direction."
Contacts:
Consorzio Patata Italiana di QualitÃ
via Tosarelli 155
40050 Villanova di Castenaso (BO)
Tel.: (+39) 051 5872419
Fax: (+39) 051 5872352
Website: www.selenella.it