In recent years, crop production in the parish of Jardim da Serra has been affected by climate change, the differing stages of the species’ phenological evolution, and persistent soil diseases that have decimated many of the region’s cherry orchards.
The Regional Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development has an experimental action plan to counteract the effects of climate change. Plots with productive potential are being revitalized with deeper rootstocks to make the trees more resistant to soil diseases. Less demanding varieties will be self-fertile and grown in colder conditions. In this first phase, about 2,500 square meters (m2) of cherry trees are being planted on land belonging to five producers who collaborated to create an experimental orchard.
The necessary investment in agricultural plots requires technical support to safeguard produce particular to Jardim da Serra.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Regional Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Marco Costa, publicly announced that he welcomes innovative ideas and the commitment shown by the cherry producers in Jardim da Serra.
It should also be noted that the regional varieties “miúda” and “preta miúda” are already registered in the National Catalogue of Varieties of Fruit Species, as genuine Madeira island rootstock.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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