© Hudepa
The Spanish fruit vegetable season has begun once again. Paul van Groningen of Hudepa, who, together with his wife Maria Elena, operates as a commercial agent from Spain, spent the past few days visiting growers and packing stations in the Almería region and shares his observations.
"In several packing stations, they had already started with cucumbers, courgettes, aubergines, peppers, and tomatoes. We were told that there will be plenty of courgettes and aubergines this year due to an expansion in cultivation. Some pepper growers have switched to these crops. For cucumbers and tomatoes, the acreage is similar to last year," Paul says.
"Peppers might still be the problem child this season. Due to high pest pressure, many quality issues and lower yields are expected. Several growers have already removed their plants because they were in poor condition," Paul explains.
© Hudepa
"Against the thrips currently affecting peppers, there is no effective EU-approved crop protection product available yet. There are biological solutions, other insects that target the pest, but these are very costly and don't provide immediate or complete control."
"So the cost price of peppers is much higher than normal, and there will be a lot more fruit with skin damage. Growers are in discussions with buyers and major supermarket chains to share this situation. In short, lower-quality peppers at higher prices will have to be accepted this season if peppers are to remain available at all," Paul concludes.
For more information:
Paul van Groningen
Hudepa
Tel: +34 611 537 616
[email protected]
www.hudepa.com
