ENHANCING CONSUMER QUALITY PERCEPTION TOWARDS PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN PRODUCTS BY GEOGRAPHICAL TRACEABILITY: THE CASE OF BOLOGNA POTATOES PDO

The development of analytical methodologies able to confirm/determinate the geographic origin of food is becoming an increasingly dynamic area in authenticity as well as traceability context. The globalization of agri-food system led to the spread of different varieties of food and raw materials around the world but sometimes also to a loss in their quality. Therefore, geographical origin of food often became synonymous of quality and safety and its authentication remains an important goal for producers and consumers too. Aim of this study is to develop a geographical traceability model for a typical food of Bologna district, namely the Bologna PDO potatoes. The product obtained the designation of origin in 2009 and according to the respective European Regulation [1], its production can be obtained from a variety, ‘Primura’, grown in soils of Bologna district. In particular, in this study, among the different geographical indicators, strontium isotopic ratio, 87Sr/86Sr, has been used, given to its tracer potentialities able to link a food to its territory of origin [2]. Thanks to the collaboration with the Consortium of the potato producers of Emilia Romagna (ASSOPA), within a project funded by Emilia Romagna region [3], samples of potato tubers of two varieties (‘Agata’ and ‘Primura’), harvested in 2012, and soils (0–20 cm depht) were collected in different cultivated areas of Emilia Romagna. In particular, three different geological substrates soils were considered: "Alluvional Plain of the Appennine Rivers" (Bologna, Ravenna), "Po Plain" and "Coastal Plain" (Ferrara). All sampling sites were chosen on the basis of productivity and availability of the farmer criteria. 87Sr/86Sr values in potatoes and soils samples have been determined by using a double focusing magnetic sector multicollector. The isotopic values obtained for potatoes perfectly matched with their respective soils in almost all the cases. Furthermore, the used indicator was able to discriminate samples coming from lowlands and the Emilia Romagna’s coast. Nevertheless, more work is needed, such as the careful understanding of the impact of agricultural practices (e.g. conditions of use of fertilizers and of irrigation water) and the validation of model with the analysis of samples coming outside the Bologna district.