Argentina celebrates an important step in its cherry industry, this thanks to obtaining the Designation of Origin “Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos – Patagonia”, a fact that was confirmed during the 11th Meeting of the Advisory Commission on Geographical Indications and Denominations of Origin, convened by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, of the Ministry of Economy of the Nation, in which the Ministry of Production of Santa Cruz participated.
This work, which has been carried out for quite some time, had the objective of highlighting the distinctiveness of the fruit harvested in Patagonia, whose quality and characteristics are unique, as explained a few months ago by Aníbal Caminiti, manager of the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (CAPCI), who in conversation with Smartcherry, explained that “the Argentine harvest and its unique characteristics, tells us that the country “has intangible values. 100% of the cherries we produce are grown in arid regions, which infers a high health standard, and 90% of what we export comes from Patagonia. This value of producing in cold and desert environments, with marked thermal amplitude, becomes tangible the further south the cherries are produced, accentuating their organoleptic quality.”
In specific terms, this cherry is sweeter, firmer and has a more intense color, which is why workshops and tastings were held in order to find particular and objective characteristics that identify Los Antiguos cherries and distinguish them from others. On the other hand, a process of writing production protocols and the history of cherry in the town was addressed, which provides an extra differential.
The Undersecretary of Industry, Esteban González, highlighted that “the designation of origin will allow us to differentiate local production and position the product in the markets. “It is part of a comprehensive development plan that includes collaboration schemes between the public and private spheres, generating a virtuous circle.”
Obtaining the Denomination of Origin is the product of the work of the Civil Association of Producers of Los Antiguos, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology INTA and the Federal Investment Council.
Source: Winfo.ar; photo by: Argentina.gob.arwww.argentina.gob.ar
