It’s such a special product that it’s almost danger of extinction just got authorization Ministry of Agriculture to use CV quality seal. There is very little left twenty producers in the province where they grew up history They produce around 100 tons annually, the majority of which is concentrated in the Palmeral city of Elche. The gradual disappearance of date palm plantations has forced the industry to struggle harder than ever to achieve success. revaluation and victory visibility.
With this distinguishingcan now be seen in stores Moles Pomegranate, Historical Society He just got the winning energy from the city of Palmeral consumers and open new markets.
And although it has this recognition that makes it unique, the problem with this product is this: not consumedIt cannot reach customers for various reasons, the main reason is because only dates are sold in the supermarket. Morocco, Tunisia and AlgeriaBecause, according to the group’s president, they are cheaper than those in Elche. Miguel Angel Sánchez. “We don’t even have the option of selling both dates, although we are in talks with several chains,” he says.
The proof is this: 30,000 kilos what they grew last year six producers There are still more than those who make up the association 13,000 kilos He said they had no way out. In fact, the people of La Palma sometimes feel like people abroad are valued more than they are here.
They therefore hope that the label, which those who certify certain quality parameters can now start using, will help them participate. international fairs It is a gastronomy area where dates are very valuable to reach potential buyers and the logo opens the door to reaching them. public assistance for production, promotion and sales.
Problems
fierce competition The problem is not the trouble this domestic product is experiencing. which endangered This is to the farmers union. The number of breeders is decreasing because, according to the president of the association massive removal of palm trees due to lack of profitability.
“Is there a gradual abandonment from other in vitro date farms that exist but are not operated for different reasons. Miguel Ángel Sánchez says other palm farms of other landraces have disappeared and there are no in vitro palm trees that can produce new crops.
He adds others to these threats: lack of professionalism Education-based sector, interest in learning about date use photovoltaic companies for lands where crops are used to establish solar power plants; rise production pricesIn addition to the provision babysitters Selling such palm trees for ornamental purposes.
The fact is that, according to breeders, these difficulties have been going on for years, not from now on, and are becoming more and more severe. In order to reverse the death of this quality product, Elche persimmon growers closed their ranks in 2020 in order to highlight the fruit, make it a center of attraction and bring added value to it.
«History of Elche warranty for years to comeBut before this becomes irreversible and hectares of land are lost, we need the participation of institutions and civil society,” concludes Sánchez.
Source: Informacion
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