Almeria is famous for its fruit and vegetable products, but it is also a land of pomegranates, stated Andres Parra, of the BPZ Comercial Agrícola company. A little more than a decade ago, this company located in Huercal-Overa bet on pomegranate cultivation, which has experienced a boom in recent years.
"Traditionally, the producers have always had pomegranates on the terrace of their orchards. We carried out a test to complement the work of the warehouse, of Agrolevante because we mainly have citrus and stone fruit. We had no product for this time of year and we thought of producing pomegranates as an alternative."
"All our production is certified as organic farming, which takes care of biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and prevents the erosion of the land. It is surprising to see how the number of wild birds, which had almost disappeared, has increased. At present, there isn't a very big difference between the price that farmers are being paid for traditional pomegranate and organic crops to make it profitable for the extra labor costs and loss of kilos that we have. However, we hope that this will change when consumers realize that they are helping improve the environment by buying organic products and national seasonal products."
BPZ Comercial Agrícola usually produces around two hundred thousand kilos of pomegranates. Since producers planted fewer hectares throughout the Almanzora region because of geopolitical factors and the increases in the price of inputs, the company expects prices to rise this year.
“Pomegranate has very important health properties, but it's not a commodity product yet, perhaps because people wrongly think that it's difficult to peel. There is no better breakfast or snack than a good pomegranate.”
BPZ pomegranates will be followed by mandarins and oranges in a campaign in which, unfortunately, there is a strong lack of water. "There is a tremendous shortage of water resources. The water is being rationed per hectare, and the amount we receive is insufficient for the crops. We depend on the Negratín and the Tajo-Segura, which are cut. In addition, the Villaricos desalination plant is not working... It's a disaster. We need water. Otherwise, we'll be deficient. Many crops have been installed and we'll be facing a disaster if it doesn't rain.”
Source: diariodealmeria.es