At medFEL 2025, the Interprofessional Melon Association (AIM) presented its melon planting forecasts for 2025. For the 3 production basins - Morocco, France, and Spain - the surface area has decreased, an "unprecedented drop" according to Jérôme Jausseran, vice-president of AIM. Here is an update, basin by basin.
Morocco: A reduction linked to regulatory uncertainty
The reduction in surface area for Morocco is -250 hectares, bringing the total this year to 1,040 hectares. In the Kenitra region, the area is stable at 120 hectares (mainly yellow Charentais). In Marrakech, the area is down (-160 hectares) to 760 hectares, with 90% green Charentais, 50% of which is in the open field and 50% in greenhouses. In Agadir, the drop is -30 hectares for a total of 140 hectares (green Charentais), and finally, in Dakhla, the area is down by 60 hectares for a total of 210 hectares (green Charentais).
According to Rémi Javernaud, AIM coordinator, this is a rather unprecedented drop in acreage linked to "regulatory uncertainty." For Jérôme Jausseran, there are also "economic problems due to very high irrigation pressure with only one month of authorization (December/January)." These risks are discouraging many growers, who are reducing their acreage. "But the Atlas is still white, so there are reserves for irrigation. New investments are also planned (dams) to ensure long-term production."
4th year of decline for Spain
For the 4th year running, Spain is experiencing a marked decline in its acreage. Since 2021, the surface area has been halved," explains Rémi Javernaud. We are wondering when this will stop." This year's total is down by 400 hectares to 2,350 hectares, with a particularly marked drop in the Murcia/Alicante area (80% yellow Charentais). The main reasons include pressure on land, access to water, and rising production costs. The drop in Murcia/Alicante is -300 hectares for a total of 1,700 ha. Almeria is also down by 30 hectares (green Charentais), for a total of 270 hectares. Seville is seeing a reduction of 50 hectares for a total of 250ha and in other regions, the area is down by 20 ha for a total of 130 hectares.
The country experienced heavy rainfall last month, which disrupted planting schedules. With fruit set not yet complete, uncertainty remains, but the season should nevertheless be longer. The Spanish variety should be on the shelves from May 20th to 25th.
France: The 2024 campaign left its mark
After a 2024 campaign that was "extremely difficult economically for the structures," the 2025 area is down by 410 hectares to a total of 10,240 hectares. In the Center-West, the area has dropped by 180 hectares, for a total of 2,470 hectares. In the South-West, there is a drop of 230 hectares, for a total of 2,070 hectares. Areas in the South-East are stable, totalling 5,700 hectares. The area in other regions and for organic production is also stable.
In the South-East, there was some rain (2nd half of March), which disrupted planting schedules. It is still too early to draw any conclusions, but there is a risk of an impact in June. In the South-West and Center-West of France, planting schedules are good, and the weather has been favorable.
"We hit rock bottom last year, and we urgently need to get back on our feet," explains Jérôme Jausseran. AIM wants to "restore the value of melon production" in order to stem the drop in acreage, which has been observed for 12 years. In terms of consumption, the melon is not experiencing any problem, as it is one of the most popular fruits among French consumers. For AIM president Myriam Martineau, "we need to restore the confidence of French melon growers. This lack of confidence is undermining the morale of producers, which inevitably translates into a drop in acreage."
Watermelons gain ground
While AIM has not seen an increase in diversification into other melon varieties, French watermelon production is on the rise. The surface area now stands at 600 to 700 hectares, perhaps even 800 hectares (the surface area is difficult to trace). The market is also present. Jérôme Jausseran points out the value of French watermelons as a premium product. "We are also working on a special type of watermelon, the mini watermelon, which is finding its place in the market, especially among young consumers." While the surface area for watermelons is increasing, there is nothing to fear for melons because, according to AIM, watermelons do not seem to be competing with melons.