They plan to place a special platform for potato growers where they can present themselves and their products on the territory of the Samara agricultural park. The idea of opening such a center was discussed yesterday, October 23, as part of a meeting of potato growers with representatives of government and retail chains.
- Samara buyers do not even realize that we have our own varieties of potatoes in the region. In addition, there is serious competition in the market among potato growers, there is a huge selection of potatoes on the shelves, but how do you understand: is it Samara or imported? So, so that buyers, including those who are interested in growing potatoes, can easily find the Samara product, we offer to collect potato growers in our agricultural park and give them the opportunity to show their products. We will do all this competently - we will arrange the site with banners so that it is immediately clear that these are local products. We will arrange a potato tasting, ”said Dmitry Shtokov, director of the Samara agro-industrial park.
This proposal received a positive response from most of the participants in the meeting. The main thing is that the idea “does not stay on the shelf”, summarized the discussion of the initiative of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Samara Region Vladimir Igonin.
- We constantly talk about the need to instill a sense of patriotism in local products. To do this, we must competently present our products. In my opinion, a single center for potato growers will just help us with this. Great idea, which we must implement together. Let's prepare proposals from all sides and bring the matter to the end, ”the representative of the department summed up.
The Samara Quality voluntary certification system will also help to gain an advantage over competitors.
“We are ready to provide all the necessary information support to every agricultural producer,” said Roman Obukhov, director of the Samara-ARIS State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education. - In fact, the procedure for obtaining the “Samara Quality” mark is quite simple: you must submit an application to a certification center, and then conduct an analysis of your products in one of the two laboratories of your choice. Once received, this mark can be used in advertising and on packaging. We are currently working on branding of Samara products. Next year, we are preparing an advertising campaign for all food products with the Samara Quality mark.
The event also discussed the identification of Samara potatoes on the shelves of large retail chains. According to Vladimir Igonin, an agreement has already been reached with some retailers - now the potato growing region will be indicated on their price tags.
Source: http://www.agro-inform.ru/