Europe is not the only concern for growers. The evolution of this market also worries avocado growers. For this campaign, the situation in the Old World (particularly in Spain) creates uncertainty in the activity and induces the traditional exporter to look with great interest other markets, like the domestic one. This was stated to LA GACETA Julio Figueroa, President of the Association of Avocado Producers of Tucumán (Apropal).
According to the leader, the autumn rains delayed the harvest, but the domestic market is saturated with excessive volumes of fruit. "Furthermore, it must compete with Chilean exports to the United States and Europe," he said. As a result of this situation, Apropal evaluates a fall in selling prices in Buenos Aires and in the central area.
According to a report done by experts of the Experimental Agroindustrial Station Obispo Colombres (EEAOC), Argentina produces about 12,000 tons of avocado. Tucumán is one of the leading avocado domestic suppliers for the Central Market of Buenos Aires, followed by Chile. Avocado production begins in March and finishes in November and December, "Hass" being the most widespread variety. According to the president of Apropal, the avocado situation in this campaign presents itself with heterogeneous nuances from previous years.
Figueroa said that the plantations in the spring of 2009 suffered a severe drought and a period of heat that caused losses of more than 90% of production for the subsequent year. "This means that during 2010, Tucumán did not produce avocados, despite being the country's leading producer, with 67% of the national total," he said. Plants recovered to produce for the 2011 season. And this, according to Apropal, they benefited from since there was frost in Chile. The frost reduced their production and limited exports to Argentina. For national activity a competitor has emerged: Peru. Figueroa added that Peru is almost covering the entire European demand in the commercial window that Argentina used to have. In this context, small and medium producers are harvesting regular quality products as a result of the drought in summer. "Although 87% of the plantations are irrigated, and from this 47% are done by pressurized irrigation, fruit did not reach normal sizes due to low humidity in the environment," he said. So, Salta and Jujuy sent to the market most of their production becuase of absence of exports. Something similar is happening with the avocado of Tucuman, stated the producer.