Good supplies for export melon market
Export potential is stable in Guadeloupe/Martinique reaching 3,500 tons. Senegal's exports reached 12,000 tons last year (+8%/2012-2013 and +43%/average 3 years) of which 1,500 tons went to France. Acreage has however dropped in the Dakhla zone, with certain producers stopping due to an unsuccessful 2013 season. Drop in volume in the Agadir zone can be noted, there are less and less producers farming this product.
Surface is stable, even on a slight rise in Marrakech, in both greenhouses and tunnels. The season started slightly late in Marrakech but has been deployed since week 15 in greenhouses and should begin after Easter in tunnels. Following Brazil and Costa Rica, Morocco is the number 1 supplier of the EU (47,700 tons in 2012-2013 of which 90% transits in France). Some volumes have reached Almeria (Galia, Charentais Vert) where surface is reducing annually.
Melon production is important in Spain (870,000 tons) as Europe's main melon producer with 35% of surface in front of Italy (28%) and France. The Charentais Jaune season could start early in the Murcie zone (10/05) where the potential is on a slight rise and should be a high level due to climate conditions. Most of this zone's production (90%) is reserved for export (164,000 tons in 2013- all types included except watermelon). Harvest should begin just after Easter in Sicily. Acreage reaches 20,000 ha with a 460,000 ton potential.