The weather conditions, marked by moisture and rains, have caused the loss of 25 to 30% of the strawberry production in Huelva, Spain, initially estimated at around 280,000 tonnes.
The President of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries from Huelva (Freshuelva), Alberto Garrocho, pointed out the losses "can no longer be recovered" and was confident that the weather "would improve and allow them to work."
Garrocho explained that the intense rains and moisture are causing "plenty of fruit to rot," especially during the past few weeks, when the percentage could lie between 35 and 45%.
He also pointed out that a lot of unripe fruit which was expected to be harvested in the coming weeks is also spoiled.
This situation is taking its toll on the markets, as "the fruit is not arriving in the best conditions and this has an impact on prices," he explained.
In this sense, he mentioned that during the past few days, prices have hit rock bottom, as just 1.25 Euro are being paid for a kilo of strawberries, which only barely covers the production costs."
This is causing great economic losses to Huelva's strawberry growers, who concentrate 94% of this crop's production in Spain; losses which the President of Freshuelva considers "very serious".
Source: Finanzas.com