The Association of Fruit Growers of Extremadura (Afruex) expects production will be slightly higher than in 2021. According to its manager, Miguel Angel Gomez, production could exceed 300,000 tons, which would represent nearly 10% growth. However, he said, they must remain cautious because any storm or hail event in the coming days could affect this figure. Plum production is expected to exceed 100,000 tons.
Gomez said that the weather condition in winter had been optimal for cultivation, with the necessary cold, and that there had been no issues in the flowering in spring, as the temperatures had been ideal.
The cherry harvest has already begun and the harvest of the earliest varieties of nectarines and peaches will start in the coming days, while the bulk of production will start in late May and early June.
Extremadura's sector also maintains good expectations for sales in a scenario in which other producing territories have not achieved or do not expect high production figures.
Logistical problems are at the forefront of the international situation in the sector. In this sense, Miguel Angel Gomez said they were worried that the shortage of containers in the international context and their current high price could increase the price of foreign sales.
Source: eldiario.es