In an effort to revitalize and improve the competitiveness of the quince in San Juan, a training course was held in the Eloy Camus Room of the Civic Center. The meeting, organized by the Secretary of Agriculture of San Juan, was attended by the secretary Miguel Moreno, who highlighted the importance of this product in the region and the potential that has not yet been fully exploited.
A meeting of experts
The course brought together prominent professionals from the sector, including Mr. Matías Pizarro from Dulces Pizarro, Jorge Pons from Dulces Pons and Felipe Chiaramonte from Fábrica Olta. These experts shared their experiences and knowledge in the quince production process, offering valuable perspectives for both producers and school students. agro techniques and job training.
Adaptation and productive niche
“Quince is a product that has been adapted to the entire province of San Juan, especially in the Jáchal area. However, we must not forget that quince is present throughout the province, with a particular focus on the productive sector of northwhere he has found his ideal niche in terms of terroir and climate,” highlighted Miguel Moreno during his speech. This training day covered all aspects of the sector, from production to industrialization and marketing of quince.
The Importance of training
Constant improvement is key to achieving excellence in quince production. “Improvement is always necessary; when one seeks excellence in the product, it is essential to also improve in terms of training. We believe that this type of activities are essential to achieve it,” stated Moreno.
Value Added Projects
One of the most highlighted needs during the meeting was to have a plant for the production of quince pulp in San Juan. This project has been the subject of several talks and proposals, and it is expected that an improvement in the country’s macroeconomy will allow progress in its implementation. “We are waiting for the opportunity to have a plant to produce pulp in the province, adding value to all that pulp that currently leaves the province due to lack of industrialization,” Moreno explained.
Fight against pests
Another crucial issue addressed was the fight against codling moth, a pest that affects quince. In collaboration with Plant Health, they are working on a project to combat this pest using parasitoids. This effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the health and quality of quince crops in the region.
Official Recognition
The value of the San Juan quince has been officially recognized. The Government Secretariat of Agroindustry of the Ministry of Production and Labor of the Nation published Resolution No. 14/2018 in the Official Gazette, which recognizes the Denomination of Origin (DO) Dulce de Membrillo Rubio de San Juan. This recognition highlights the unique characteristics of the fruits and the production process, underlining their importance in the local culinary tradition.
