"The unexpected rain in two Costa Rican cultivation areas has resulted in many failed crops and even total losses at melon farms," says Rolf Weber of Global Producers in the Netherlands. "Also, night temperatures in all areas have been three to four degrees lower for months. That's brought watermelon, yellow, Galia and Cantaloupe melons production down 15-20% due to smaller fruit."
"Acreage is already limited because fertilizer and pesticide prices are so high. Plus, sea freight prices are quite high, and the dollar/euro rate is troublesome. That already led to many farmers being reluctant to plant," Rolf explains. According to him, Central American melons' semi-inferior quality and shelf life are not only a result of weather problems but also of growers' efforts to reduce using chemicals.
"Our Pafru SA / Global Producers volumes will be down 20% versus what was planned. That involves a 10-14% reduction of Cantaloupe, Galia and yellow melons and 30-40% of watermelons."
"The export ministry and well-known seed companies are assuming 30 to 40% lower exports from Costa Rica to Europe," Rolf continues. "That's for all melon varieties."
"We generally expect prices to stabilize in March. If the weather holds, there might even be a shortage and high prices from late March/early April because, in Central America, the quality needed to export melons will be missing," concludes Rolf.
For more information:
Rolf Weber
Global Producers
136 B Venrayseweg
5928 RH, Venlo, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 774 658 100
Email: Rolf@global-producers.nl
Website: www.global-producers.nl