This cooperation group, led by the Centre for Agro-Food Transformation (CTA), seeks to improve the production and marketing of that local potato and increase its current market share of 15%. "There is demand on the part of local product distributors and we want to cover this market niche," stated the representative of the CTA, Pablo Bruna. The objective is to introduce the product into greengrocers and small stores and then reach agreements with large retailers.
The project will bet on the sour potato variety because of its suitability for frying. "Aragonese potatoes may be the best for frying, but it hasn't been appreciated for fresh consumption," explained Ángel Bonel, of Almacenes Bonel, adding that it is highly rated by the processing industry.
After conducting several tests in different areas of Aragon, the CTA assures that the Aragonese companies "will be able to produce potatoes practically all year round."
80% less acreage
Nevertheless, the potato sector is not free of problems. At the end of the 1990's, Aragon had 5,000 hectares devoted to potato crops and currently it has 600 hectares, so the acreage has been reduced by 88% in less than 20 years. As for the value of the product, this year "prices have been lower," reported Eduardo Ramos, of Patatas Gómez, although "those of the sour variety have remained stable."
This project is part of an annual plan that the Department of Rural Development and Sustainability of the Government of Aragon has in place in order to encourage innovation in the region's agro-food sector and make its products more competitive in the market. In total, the regional government has allocated about two million Euro to this end.
Source: elperiodicodearagon.com
