High temperatures in June, with successive heat waves, and torrential rains in recent weeks have caused a reduction in Barbastro's expected pink tomato harvest, which will ultimately amount to around 800,000 kilos, 20% less than in 2014. The region of Aragon is the destination for 40% of the production, while the rest is sold in Madrid, Barcelona and northern regions of the Ebro valley.
"Barbastro's pink tomato has become a social phenomenon nationwide and has replaced other varieties. While we have a traditional market, we also make small shipments to many parts of Spain," affirms Esteban András, president of the association for production, processing and marketing of this vegetable. This entity, created by the Growers Association of the High Aragon, brings together 70 professional enterprises and 400 registered growers who produce for their own consumption, in addition to counting with some 4,000 registered friends. The crop generates 170 direct jobs in the Somontano from the moment the seeds are planted, in February, until the harvest comes to an end in October.
One third of the demand
The goal of the producers is to expand the acreage to meet a demand which continues to grow exponentially every year, since the current production barely manages to cover one third of it. Thus, once the current season is completed, the potential for growth will be analysed; growth which is estimated to range between 30 and 35%. "Increases cannot be too sudden in any case, because this tomato is grown in a very traditional way. It is very delicate and requires a personalised care, which entails high labour costs," explains Andrés.
In addition to providing knowledge and information to the growers to ensure an increase in production volumes, the other main target of the organization which has backed Barbastro's pink tomatoes since 2008 is for consumers to receive only local produce. "The buyer has to pay attention to the label that identifies it. The season runs from July to October. If out of that period, it is a fake," warns Andrés. In this sense, Barbastro's pink tomato has a National Quality Label, awarded by the Ministry of Industry and, for now, there are no plans to apply for a Designation of Origin. "We still lack production for that, and we have only been on the market for five years," states Andrés.
The "intrusion" denounced by Andrés also takes a toll on retail prices. "This campaign has not been good in that sense, but things will hopefully improve later this month, when the holidays end and families resume normal consumption," he points out. Initial prospects in April pointed to 1.25 million kilos, due to the 25% increase in acreage; however, the summer weather "has negatively affected the plants, weakening them, resulting in poor flowering and making them more vulnerable to diseases," explains Andrés.
Source: elperiodicodearagon.com
