The recent sectoral meeting of Fecoam analyzed the evolution of production costs in the field and warehouse, as well as the health status of crops, including leafy vegetables.
Fecoam stressed that, despite the stabilization of the production of these vegetables, there are some crops that are experiencing a decrease. This decrease is due to the increase in production costs and the availability of water. The unusual temperatures in the Region during October and November have affected the plantations, as the varieties that are planted for these dates (autumn-winter) require lower temperatures than they've had. The crops have had a considerable advance in growth and maturation. For example, Iceberg lettuce, which normally has a 60-65 day cultivation period, is coming out in 45-50 days this year," stated the representative of these products in the Federation, Felipe Lopez.
"These high temperatures have also caused a higher incidence of pests, such as aphids, or yellow grains in some broccoli varieties, which has forced producers to intensify treatments. As a result of all of this, the decreases in the field have been considerable," he stated.
The advance in production has led to a concentration of supply in the destination countries, as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany have also registered higher-than-normal temperatures this year, which has prolonged their vegetable seasons, Fecoam stressed.
One aspect to take into account is that as the cold arrives and since the first vegetables came out earlier than expected, there will be a productive stoppage that will generate a decrease in supply. This is a moment that all producers are waiting for, as it will help ease the commercial pressure in the market and, most importantly, will ultimately help producers obtain better sales prices.
Sources: laverdad.es