The Agricultural and Fruit and Livestock Market of Castilla-La Mancha's Melon and Watermelon Price Table held its first session this season, setting the starting prices of the first melons and watermelons harvested in the region. This marks the start of its thirteenth trading season, in a worrying context for the sector.
In the case of melon, the season started with prices ranging between 0.21 and 0.23 €/kg for the first category and between 0.28 and 0.30 €/kg for the extra category. Meanwhile, the prices of first category black and white seedless watermelons ranged between 0.11 and 0.13 €/kg. These prices are insufficient to cover current production costs.
Despite the excellent quality of the product since the beginning of the season, the market situation is unsustainable for farmers. "Prices are not reasonable from the producer's point of view. They don't even come close to covering the costs involved in growing these fruits," stated Antonio Atienza, president of the Agricultural Fruit and Vegetable Market's Price Table.
The situation has been further aggravated by the overlap with other growing areas such as Andalusia and Murcia, whose seasons are coming to an end, weather instability, and export difficulties.
The sector hopes prices will improve in a couple of weeks with the start of peak season. However, concern among growers is evident because starting the season with such low prices could seriously affect the crop's profitability throughout the season.
For more information:
Asaja Ciudad Real
www.asajacr.com
