Fruit plant nurseries, which are considered part of the value chain in the food sector, continue to work despite the difficulties derived from the coronavirus crisis.
"All the visits that we had scheduled for producers interested in our varieties have been canceled. We are getting some order cancellations due to the uncertainty of this situation, and there are also delays in the deliveries," says Rosa Hernandorena, commercial director of Viveros Hernandorena.
"In general, there are fewer operations. For example, we had planned the planting of almond trees, but since these are large farms, heavy machinery is needed, and having about 8 operators working and maintaining the safety distance between them, as stipulated in virus containment protocols, is impossible. However, the fact of having the plants in pots is allowing us to extend the spring,” she says.
“In spite of everything, we feel fortunate about being able to continue carrying out our activities, unlike other sectors, like that of ornamental plant nurseries, which are going through really difficult times, since their customers have canceled practically all their orders. Ornamental plant technicians are not allowed to leave their homes, since they are not part of a primary sector. They will probably not have sales again until February of next year.”
Regarding stone fruit trees, Rosa Hernandorena says that “in recent years, there has been a price crisis that has had an impact on seedling purchases. Also, plantations have been uprooted and there should be a lower supply in the market. Still, I want to think that the demand will increase this year, since the value of certain products, such as oranges, is on the rise due to the influence of the coronavirus, and I believe that the same will happen to stone fruit. We hope that producers will be able to charge decent prices for their fruit.”
For more information:
Rosa Hernandorena
Viveros Hernandorena
T: +34 96 253 26 81
M: +34 687409583
comercial@hernandorena.com
www.hernandorena.com