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Production of Potatoes in Malta
Malta
Friday 27 April 2007
TK
The production of potatoes is an important agricultural activity in Malta. About 1.000 farmers, mainly part-time farmers, are involved in this activity. The total area cultivated is about 1.800 hectares and the total production is estimated to be 35.000 tons.
The certified disease-free seed potatoes of the yellow-fleshed varieties (Alpha, Santé, Berber, Ditta, Arida etc) are imported from Holland, whereas the seed potatoes of the white fleshed varieties (Cara, Avondale and Slaney) are imported from Ireland.
In the period mid-March to mid-May, about 6.000/7.000 tons of potatoes are exported to countries of the European Union, mainly to Holland. The spring-crop potatoes from Malta are very appreciated, in particular by the Dutch consumer. The Malta potatoes achieve premium and distinct prices from the produce of other European countries. In fact Malta potatoes are often referred to in the trade journals as the 'Maltas'. The Dutch consumers, especially those having the traditional eating habits, have acquired a preference for their produce for which they are ready to pay high prices.
The certified disease-free seed potatoes of the yellow-fleshed varieties (Alpha, Santé, Berber, Ditta, Arida etc) are imported from Holland, whereas the seed potatoes of the white fleshed varieties (Cara, Avondale and Slaney) are imported from Ireland.
In the period mid-March to mid-May, about 6.000/7.000 tons of potatoes are exported to countries of the European Union, mainly to Holland. The spring-crop potatoes from Malta are very appreciated, in particular by the Dutch consumer. The Malta potatoes achieve premium and distinct prices from the produce of other European countries. In fact Malta potatoes are often referred to in the trade journals as the 'Maltas'. The Dutch consumers, especially those having the traditional eating habits, have acquired a preference for their produce for which they are ready to pay high prices.
