This year, the start of the campaign of stone fruit and cherry Extremadura will be characterized by irregularity in volumes, sizes and harvest dates this year due to weather conditions.
According to the president of Afruex, Miguel Angel Gomez, "although there are producers who are reporting declines in volumes of more than half, some even reported increases in production over the previous year. However, we hope that in all types of stone fruit production will only be down between 15 and 20% compared to the 2015 season, being more pronounced in the case of the plum."
As in other areas, reductions in production are offset by new plantations coming into commercial volumes, this is not the case for Extremadura. "There is a slight increase in production area in nectarine and paraguayo, although it is not significant because it is largely due to the varietal conversion has been carried out. The surface of production remains rather stable," says president Afruex.
At present, low temperatures and constant rains are delaying the harvest of cherry in the Jerte Valley, which should have already begun. "When we pass this episode of rains and temperature rises, the situation is expected to normalize in mid-June," believes Miguel Angel Gomez.
According to the president of Afruex, Miguel Angel Gomez, "although there are producers who are reporting declines in volumes of more than half, some even reported increases in production over the previous year. However, we hope that in all types of stone fruit production will only be down between 15 and 20% compared to the 2015 season, being more pronounced in the case of the plum."
As in other areas, reductions in production are offset by new plantations coming into commercial volumes, this is not the case for Extremadura. "There is a slight increase in production area in nectarine and paraguayo, although it is not significant because it is largely due to the varietal conversion has been carried out. The surface of production remains rather stable," says president Afruex.
At present, low temperatures and constant rains are delaying the harvest of cherry in the Jerte Valley, which should have already begun. "When we pass this episode of rains and temperature rises, the situation is expected to normalize in mid-June," believes Miguel Angel Gomez.
Apricot production could fall by more than 60%
But the situation seems to vary widely according to one exporter: "The blooming of some varieties took place one month later than usual," explains a producer from Badajoz. "For this reason, there will be a significant fall in the apricot production, ranging between 50 and 70%, depending on the area. This is also the product with the sharpest fall in production volumes."
He goes on to say that regarding nectarines, peaches and plums, the losses are also important. Depending on the area, they could range between 30 and 40%.