The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Costa Tropical Cherimoya foresees a campaign worth a production of about 45 million kilos, which represents a decrease of 10% over the previous one. As reported to Efeagro by the president of the
Regulatory Council, Antonio Sanchez, the slight decrease in the harvest will be compensated with a higher quality, which this year has been favored by lower temperatures, which have delayed maturation.
The harvest started two weeks ago and prices in this first phase are still at low levels, with an average of 0.50 Euro per kilo in origin, he said "they should reach about one Euro to make it profitable for farmers." However, Sanchez explained that the situation is normal for the start of the campaign in September and it will likely increase in the coming months, since the increase in demand for cherimoya is recorded from October and November.
He has also stressed that the campaign has lengthened to a total of nine months, with crops in different stages, so there is cherimoya commercially available until May. The sector is also working to adjusted consumption in every season. He pointed out the development of organic farming without pesticides and employing Medfly traps, the main pest affecting this tree.
Source: Efe