Joan Simonet: “We will work toward designing and moving forward with a crop rotation plan for Sa Pobla potatoes.”
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment began a round of meetings today with export operators.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, along with Director General Fernando Fernández, met today with representatives of the potato sector in Sa Pobla to listen to their demands and committed to evaluating the proposed initiatives. The initial meeting was attended by local farmers and the mayor of Sa Pobla, Biel Ferragut.
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The Government Meets with the Sa Pobla Potato Sector and Will Evaluate Proposed Demands
During the meeting, Minister Simonet assured that “the Ministry will continue working as it has until now, always to ensure the continuity and promotion of potato cultivation.” In this regard, he added that “from now on, we will work to design and move toward a crop rotation plan for Sa Pobla potatoes.”
Use of Plant Protection Products and Authorisations
One of the key topics addressed was the use of plant protection products, such as metam sodium. Director General Fernández explained: “Currently, the ministry is renegotiating with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for an exceptional authorisation to use this product at 51% concentration, to grow this tuber in the Balearic Islands.”
He noted that some improvements have already been achieved:
“Plots treated with this product (used to combat nematodes) in 2024 may be treated again this year and in 2026 (three consecutive years), provided that 20% of the total requested land is left fallow to allow for crop rotation.”
Fernández also reminded participants about the annual soil insecticide control campaign carried out by the ministry. Specific insecticides are distributed free of charge to combat pests such as wireworms, with a total investment of nearly €1 million in 2024 alone.