Around 30% of Elche's mollar pomegranate exports are in jeopardy due to Russia's ban on fruit and vegetable imports from European countries.
The president of the Association of Producers and Marketers of Pomegranates from Elche, Francisco Oliva, pointed out that "Russia is one of the main markets for mollar pomegranates and the veto imposed on European fruit and vegetables could have a very significant effect on this year's campaign."
In this sense, Oliva notes that about 15% and 20% of the production intended for export has Russia as main destination, and another 10% is likely to reach Russia via other European intermediaries.
"Russia absorbs practically half of our exports; it is a market that has grown significantly in recent years and has become a very important destination for mollar Elche pomegranates."
The president of the association also says that "if no measures are taken, the sector linked to Elche's mollar pomegranate will be greatly harmed in preparation for the campaign starting in late September."
"We'll have trouble to sell the more than 13,000 tonnes that we annually ship to Russia directly and indirectly. Moreover, supply will concentrate in fewer destinations and prices will drop below the production cost."
For this reason, the Association of Producers and Marketers of Pomegranates from Elche has sent a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture requesting a meeting with Minister Isabel García Tejerina with the goal of finding out the initiatives to be undertaken by the Government and the European Commission, and to request support measures for Elche's mollar pomegranates.
"We are aware that a major effort is being made by the government to overcome this difficult situation."
In this sense, Oliva says that "we would like Elche's mollar pomegranate to be included in the aid programs and special campaigns launched, considering the proximity of the start of our campaign and the importance of the Russian market for our sector and the negative impact that the Russian ban will entail on the many families involved."
The flagship product in the south of the province of Alicante
Elche's mollar pomegranate is one of the flagship products of the south of the province of Alicante.
The acreage devoted to mollar pomegranates in Elche and the surrounding municipalities reaches 3,000 hectares and production exceeds 45,000 tonnes.
Every year, about 40% of the production is sold in the domestic market and the remaining 60% is exported.
Some of its major markets include Russia, Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands, as well some Gulf and Asian countries. Taking into account both direct and indirect exports, Russia receives 30% of all shipments, which represents more than 13,000 tonnes.
This crop accounts for over 80% of the agricultural production in many municipalities in the south of the province of Alicante and generates more than 3,000 direct jobs and a thousand indirect jobs.