Gerhard Eberhöfer (in the picture on the left), who is responsible for sales of strawberries and small fruits at VI.P, the fruit and vegetable producers' association of Val Venosta, explains that "the cold temperatures of spring 2018 have led to a delay in the start of the marketing of strawberries. The sale this year began in the third week of June and the forecasts of the quantities are slightly higher than last year: we expect a harvest ranging from 400 to 450 tons".
"This growth is determined by the fact that the plants in winter did not suffer cold or frost damage: approximately 40% of our crops are cultivated "under coverf", therefore they are sheltered and protected in light of any sort of atmospheric event. The remaining 60% are cultivated outdoors. Thanks to the hot temperatures of these last weeks (just before the harvest), we were able to offer a perfect product. We are optimistic: the quality of strawberries is good, the taste is delicious and availability will be guaranteed. The "Val Martello" strawberries will be available until August. They will be marketed on a mass distribution scale in Italy and will be available in the major fruit and vegetable markets in Northern and Central Italy".
The region of Val Venosta is especially known for the extraordinary quality of its apples. However, in recent years many passionate and attentive farmers have understood the potential for cultivation of this region and have decided to expand their range of products, including small fruits as well. "This year we have decided to grow some small additional forest fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, currants and blueberries. Due to the particular altitude of Val Martello, the process of maturation is slowed down, thus accentuating the aroma. Certainly, the production is currently on small scale, but the flavour and the authenticity remain exceptional!", concludes Eberhöfer.
Contact:
VI.P Coop Soc. Agricola
Via Centrale 1/c
39021 Laces (in the province of Bolzano)
Website: www.vip.coop