In preparation for the 2017 strawberry campaign, the Guardia Civil of Huelva will be reinforcing its presence in the municipalities where most of the plantations are located in order to prevent the theft of the crops.
After the plantation stage, it has been revealed that the total acreage planted with berries in the province of Huelva has recorded a 3.85 percent growth over the 9,658 hectares planted in the previous season, reaching 10,030 hectares.
However, the strawberry acreage has been reduced again, this time, by 7 percent, which is in deep contrast with the 22 percent increase in the number of hectares planted with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
The Strawberry Producers and Exporters Association of Huelva, Freshuelva, reported that the acreage planted with strawberries has gone from 5,860 hectares last season, to 5,400 in the current campaign. As for raspberries, there will be 1,932 hectares planted, compared to 1,815 hectares last year, which is a 6.45 percent increase.
In the case of blueberries, the acreage has expanded from 1,953 to 2,538 hectares, which is a 30 percent growth; the highest of all the berries. Meanwhile, the acreage planted with blackberries has grown by 23 percent, from 130 to 160 hectares. In the latter case, new extra-early varieties have been planted which aim to extend the fruit's marketing season.
Source: Europa Press
