Spain: Courgette acreage reduced, while peppers and tomatoes grow

As in every year, the results of the campaigns in terms of prices have an influence on the decisions of producers when planning their crops for the following year. "Normally, the acreage devoted to each crop records changes of between 5 and 10 percent for this reason," explains Emilio Ruiz López, Commercial Director of El Plantel Semillero. While still lacking official data, that is precisely the approximate growth expected to be recorded by bell peppers, whose planting has already been almost completed, according to the expert. Meanwhile, Lamuyo and Italian peppers are only now starting to be planted. The growth of peppers is not strange, considering that "peppers have been recording stable and acceptable prices for two or three campaigns, while courgettes have recorded great oscillations," points out Emilio Ruiz.

Courgettes are not doing as well as peppers. The price swings and problems caused by the New Dehli virus are the main reasons why growers have decided to opt for other crops, such as tomatoes, which have enjoyed good prices this last season, or peppers. "This year, after years of growth, the total acreage will fall by around 20%. In Níjar, however, producers continue to bet on this crop."

"We are now passed the peak of the planting season. In addition to finishing with the peppers, we continue to sell tomato, courgette and cucumber plants. Apparently, the cucumber acreage will remain stable compared to last season."

El Plantel Semilleros is a major producer of horticultural plants in Almeria, with more than 170 million plants per year in 20 hectares, conventional as well as organic and grafted, which are sold mainly across Spain and Portugal. "We are increasing our sales in Romania, where greenhouse cultivation is expanding."

For more information:
Emilio Ruiz López
El Plantel Semilleros
Carretera de Las Norias Nº15
04740 La Mojonera, Almeria. Spain
T: +34 950330101
directorcomercial@elplantelsemilleros.com
elplantelsemilleros.com