Imbalance in the price of Valencian potato outrages the sector

While the supermarket shelves sell the Valencian potato to more than 1.50 euros per kilo, in the field farmers barely receive 0.20 euros. The gap is not only worrying, but also unsustainable, as denounced by the Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-Asaja), which calls for urgent intervention to curb what they consider abuses in the value chain.

In the last three weeks, the price paid to the producer has plummeted by 50%, falling below production costs. And although the campaign began with good expectations - for a larger planted area and initial quotations close to 0.40 €/kg -, in just twenty days, the picture has changed drastically.

AVA-Asaja has asked the Ministry of Agriculture to investigate the contracts along the food chain, in view of marketing margins that multiply by seven times the original value of the product. In addition, it warns about the impact of adverse weather conditions. The rains and the west wind have favored mildew outbreaks, a fungus that has already caused losses of up to 30% in some crops.

From the field, the demand is firm: if a fair remuneration is not guaranteed, the sustainability of the Valencian potato is at risk. Therefore, a call is made to both consumers and distribution chains to bet on the local product, valuing its freshness, quality and smaller environmental footprint.

source: avaasaja.org

photo: fruteriadevalencia.com