Navarre's asparagus sector is experiencing a situation of uncertainty as the production of turions has decreased due to adverse weather conditions. While it's still too early to determine how this harvest will fare compared to the almost 4 million kilos certified by the IGP Asparagus of Navarra last year, the sector is mainly concerned about price fluctuations. The UAGN union has publicly denounced a cannery for reducing the price paid to farmers by 30 to 40 cents per kilo. This practice differs from the commitment of other companies to keep prices stable.
The ALINAR association, which represents the agri-food industries of Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragon, underlines the importance of sustaining asparagus production to ensure its attractiveness among farmers. Despite having a surplus of products, ALINAR reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the quality and long-term viability of asparagus cultivation. However, it clarifies that it can't negotiate prices directly.
The price reduction strongly impacts farmers, especially in the context of increased production costs. The situation could also affect more than 1,300 seasonal workers displaced from Andalusia, as the profitability of their work could be compromised making it difficult to hire local labor.
Marcelino Etayo, a producer and president of the IGP Asparagus of Navarre, said the current situation was unsustainable, and emphasized the need to maintain fair prices to ensure the profitability of productions. The UAGN highlighted asparagus's social and economic value, which generates employment and contributes to keeping the population in rural areas. The organization urged the Government of Navarre to guarantee the continuity of cultivation through greater investment in promotion, research, import control, and effective application of the Food Chain Law.
Source: diariodenavarra.es