These studies confirm that introducing the cultivation of papayas to Almeria's intensive agriculture is a great idea, as Andalusian greenhouses have the capacity to reproduce a tropical climate and humidity.
Papayas are the third most produced tropical fruit worldwide, behind mangoes and pineapples, and their growth prospects are very high. For now, Spain account for just 0.1% of the world's total production, as the Canary Islands is the only region where the product is grown.
The initial objective of the project developed by the UAL-Anecoop Foundation for the past six years has been to study the agronomic performance of some varieties grown in greenhouses. Currently, many Andalusian growers are interested in cultivating papayas in their facilities and, according to Anecoop's forecasts, "the fruit is shaping up as a good alternative to traditional horticultural crops. In the next season, we hope to produce over a million and a half kilos of papayas, with productions in different growing areas, including the coast of Malaga, the coast of Granada (Motril), the coast of Almeria and Murcia (Mazarrón)."
New Bouquet watermelon varieties
Coprohníjar's stand at Expo Levante will also serve to publicise the results of a study intended to assess the potential of new varieties of seedless watermelons from a productive and commercial point of view, looking particularly at black and striped varieties.
It is worth noting that Anecoop is Europe's largest watermelon operator and the first to introduce seedless watermelons to the market. The new varieties studied will be part of the Anecoop's Bouquet program for its partner cooperatives in the province of Almeria.
About Coprohníjar
The cooperative was established in 1986 with 50 members and its development has been constant ever since, both in terms of producing partners and fruit and vegetable sales volumes and facilities. Currently, Anecoop's cooperative partner has more than 200 associated producers who cultivate 400 hectares. Its facilities exceed 22,000 square metres and are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, and it is present in all European markets, as well as in the US and Canada.
About UAL-Anecoop Foundation
The Centre for Innovation and Technology, UAL-Anecoop Foundation, was created in 2004 to coordinate and develop research and experimentation programs for the University of Almeria and Anecoop. Its purpose is to contribute to the modernization and improvement of the region's agricultural sector through research, innovation and technology transfer to agricultural products.
Its facilities are designed to conduct tests that can help meet the demands and needs of private companies in the auxiliary agricultural industry, as well as to make other public initiatives in applied research and experimentation possible.