Garlic season in Mendoza fell short of expectations

The last garlic season in Mendoza did not meet expectations due to the impact of the intense cold on the size of the heads, according to Fabián Fusari, president of the Association of Producers, Packers and Exporters of Garlic, Onions and Related Products of the Province of Mendoza (Asocamen). However, this situation allowed access to global markets where there is a shortage of garlic, accepting products of smaller caliber.

The growth of the peeled garlic and garlic paste industry, together with the demand in Central America and Taiwan for smaller sizes, has benefited Mendoza's producers. These markets have facilitated the marketing of smaller garlic.

International competition, especially from countries such as China, Turkey, and Morocco, affects Argentine garlic due to lower prices, despite its high quality. Energy, fuel and tax costs also raise the price of the product.

Among the main challenges for the next season is to improve soil quality and yields, in addition to solving visual problems such as charcoal stains, which reduce the value of the product in the market.

The cultivation of red garlic in the Uco Valley, which is in great demand in Brazil and Europe, will be key in the next season. In addition, the implementation of techniques such as drying sheds and trestles in the post-harvest period seeks to maintain the quality of garlic in the face of adverse weather conditions.

source: losandes.com

photo: elsemiarido.com