Too little ventilation combined with few marketing possibilities could put the Algerian onion harvest at high risk of serious damage.
This year's onion harvest has reached record levels. The cold stores and warehouses are filled with potatoes but direct sales are minimal. The producers of Matemore have been forced to store onions in the open air, presenting the high risk of damage by rain.
Investors have asked the food processing sector to use the potatoes and onions and since the products are also free from chemicals there is little competition.
Presently all cold stores are filled with potatoes, and according to a producer these will need to be empty by January so they are ready to be filled again with the new harvest. Some producers have voiced the opinion that no potatoes or onions should be grown at all next year.