In the Spanish province of Castellon, avocado cultivation is increasingly perceived as a viable alternative to the production of Clemenules, which does not always guarantee economic profitability for the grower. "Avocados have potential. The province's climate is ideal and the fruit is sold for high prices," said the general secretary of the Unió de Llauradors, Carles Peris, who urges producers to look for alternatives in order to leave the citrus "monoculture" behind. So far, avocados have already been planted in many plots, especially in warm areas such as Vilavella, the Vall d'Uixó and nearby the Hospital la Magdalena.
However, despite the prospects, the conclusions about the viability and profitability of avocado production in Castellón won't immediately be clear. "The first experiences have not been bad, but we will need between four and five more to get a reasonable production and then another two or three to determine whether it is profitable," says Peris. We must also bear in mind that the initial investment needed is quite high.
Many are trying their luck, from orange growers reserving a hectare for avocado cultivation to large providers of agricultural services. They are all hoping for better results than what was achieved back in the day with pomegranates or kakis.
Source: elperiodicomediterraneo.com
