The harvesting of early and medium-early potatoes in Salento is coming to an end and, thankfully, the produce was not damaged by the hailstorms that hit various areas of Apulia.
The cooperative is also testing new varieties like, for example, Erika (in the photo above), a high-quality yellow fleshed potato with an oblong shape and uniform average grades. "It was first sowed three years ago, but we have increased quantities in the second year. Feedback is positive both on the Italian and European markets. Volumes are limited but it is available on the market."
Acli Racale exports 95% of its potato harvest. According to Manni, northern European markets are working thanks to the fact that new potatoes from Salento have arrived and also thanks to the lack of old produce.
"The Sieglinde variety is mainly destined to the fresh produce market. Other varieties, like for example Erika, are instead more suitable for processing, so there is great potential for the Italian market."
Sieglinde PDO potatoes are the flagship product of the cooperative, which will "focus more on the Italian market to push new potatoes from Salento."
On a productive level, a lot of space is given to organic crops. "We are carrying out tests also on the Erika variety. Results are satisfactory and we are trying to develop this market, which poses greater attention to the environmental and social-economic impact."
"Sieglinde has been typical of our area for around 100 years and it will not be replaced because it is truly unique. Although we are looking for other cultivars to cultivate alongside it."
Contacts:
Soc. Agr. Coop. ACLI - Racale
Enzo Manni
Via Provinciale Racale - Ugento km 1,1
73055 Racale (LE)
Tel./Fax: (+39) 0833 583484 - 0833 551848
Email: acliracale@tiscalinet.it
Web: www.acliracale.it