Vegetables from Tirol are loved, and yet tens of tonnes of vegetables need to be destroyed every week. The reason for this is that consumers and traders alike primarily only want first choice vegetables. Little imperfections aren't tolerated.
A grower from Tirol calls the situation a disgrace. Containers filled with potatoes and carrots are piling up in his storage rooms due to their appearance because no buyers can be found. Vegetables of the finest quality are shipped in tonnes to biogas installations, because they are not pretty enough. There are different quality classes in vegetable sales. Vegetables of class II have tiny deviations in colour or shape. This class is offered less and less, however, and they aren't purchased from growers.
The chairman of the Tirol food trade also confirms the statements made by growers. Customers ask for top quality and the traders have to deliver, he argues.
The Austrian party 'Liste Fritz' responded to the destruction of vegetables and fruit from Tirol last Thursday. They don't think the products are the problem, but uninspired politics. They think it is a disgrace that many people in Tirol can barely afford fresh groceries, while good food is destroyed. The party thinks it is time to think about better marketing. For example, a logistical network can be built up in which schools, company canteens, and care homes, amongst others, can be supplied with the vegetables.