Spain: Number of tomato seedlings to increase up to 15%

Tomatoes are Almeria's number 1 crop nowadays, not only by extension, but also by production volumes. They account for almost a third of the province's entire agricultural production. In this sense, according to recent data from the Provincial Delegation of Agriculture and Fisheries, during the 2011-2012 campaign around 929,800 tonnes of tomatoes have been harvested; some 37,300 tonnes more than last season. Also, as far as extension is concerned, this 2011-2012 campaign reached 9,100 hectares, from which 100 were outdoors and 9,000 protected. This represents an increase of 70 hectares compared to last year's campaign.

The strength of tomatoes is such that, in fact, in 2011, and for the third year in a row, they became Almeria's most international agricultural product. According to official data, tomatoes valued at 447.5 million Euro were shipped to foreign markets last year, representing 20.8% of all Almeria's exports and a 4% increase over 2010's results. Additionally, between January and April 2012, tomatoes continued to lead international exports and, within this period, Almeria's tomato exports were worth 273 million Euro in foreign markets; 25% of all export sales.

On the subject of exports, the sales of peppers, which reached a value of 413 million Euro and a 19.2% market share, were also noteworthy. The third place was for cucumbers, with 250.8 million Euro and 11.7% market share. The fourth place was for courgettes, with 6.6%.

The importance of tomatoes for the province is also reflected by the number of varieties grown in greenhouses. According to the manager of the Seed Association (ASEHOR), Ángel Martínez, around 600 varieties are grown in Almeria's greenhouses. This information was revealed during a series of tomato conferences organised by Almeria's Agricultural Engineers Association (COITAAL), and where the manager highlighted that tomatoes of the thick and bunch types account for 60% of the total in plantations. He also mentioned that, in any case, a "gradual increase" is perceived in the popularity of the 'mini' types, such as the mini pear or mini cherry, while the rest seem "to be retreating."

Prospects for the 2012-2013 campaign

Tomatoes will continue to be Almeria's main agricultural product this season coming. In fact, according to estimations from the Provincial Delegation of Agriculture and Fisheries, the amount of tomato seedlings is expected to increase by 10 to 15% compared to the current season, confirming an "upward trend" in this crop's future. This increase, according to Andalusia's administration, "is due to increased demand for grafted tomato," an increasingly common practice because of its effectiveness in tackling soil diseases, among other things.

Source: Almeria360