Costa Rica: Potato producers present a seal of support to domestic producers
The organization released the design of the seal, which aims to be a reliable symbol by which consumers can identify which industry or trader is actually using national potatoes in the production of their products.
With this seal, whose motto is "ticas potatoes, of the best quality", more than 1000 potato growers that make up the group, seek to increase Costa Rican potato consumption and thus support this agricultural activity, which has been affected
due to overproduction in recent months.
According to Fabian Segura, President of the Chamber, the seal will have a strict regulation for its use, that will allow the industry to control what industry or product marketer is using Costa Rican products, through a traceability process that will accompany the control structure. To accomplish this, they joined forces with the American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), which acts as technical advisor for producers.
"We want consumers to learn how to identify the national potato, not only because it supports more than 5,000 Costa Rican families involved, but because we offer a fresh, high quality and fairly priced product," said Segura.
For the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Gloria Abraham Peralta, that the seal is the way for Consumers to be able to identify in the market, the potatoes produced in Costa Rica, and thus strengthens the chain of solidarity around the Costa Rican producers.
"Our customers are increasingly responding the call to consume 100% Costa Rican products and we are confident that starting today, they will seek the seal that can identify products made from potatoes grown and harvested on Costa Rican soil," said Abraham.
According to the National Production Council, the country has been producing 26,000 tons per year on average in recent years. However, by 2012 there was an increase in production that is estimated to reach 34,000 tons.
To continue with the festivities in honor of the potato and potato farmers, this weekend takes place, the First National Potato Fair in the Plaza Mayor of Cartago, in front of the ruins. In this fair the best recipes prepared from potatoes will be rewarded and the largest potato hash will be cooked.
Source: MAG