Potatoes should be harvested between 5 am and 2 pm, to avoid high temperature which can decrease the shelf-life potential. Cepa organised a night time potato harvest in Molinella (Bologna) to demonstrate how to work during the night.
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Luciano Trentini, one of the promoters, explained that the event was very successful. A lot of people took part and managed to see the tools up close, talk to exports and witness potatoes being harvested at night.
The event was organised at Piero Emiliani's business. Together with his son Mattia, he cultivates around 400 hectares. "We have 70 hectares of potato crops and we're hoping for prices to be good. We started harvesting on July 3rd. Quality is high and quantities are slightly lower than last year."
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Cepa Presidet Massimo Cristiani reported that "forecasts are good and prices also seem good. Bologna producers focus on quality - producers are decreasing but the average hectares per producer is increasing. The most popular variety is Primura."
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Michele Filippini from Agripat, Gabriele Ferri from Apoconerpo, Pizzoli representatives and Davide Vernocchi from Apoconerpo also took part, to name a few.
Ferri from Naturitalia explained that, "Potatoes should be harvested between 4-5 am and 2 pm. This is because quality and shelf-life are better if the soil is cool. High temperature affect storage."
