Murcia’s Campo de Cartagena becomes epicentre of innovation from international seed companies
International seed companies are showcasing their latest developments in leafy crops in the region of Murcia this month. From 10-23 February, farmers, technicians and professionals from all over the world will gather in Campo de Cartagena to see the latest developments in lettuce and other leafy products for the fresh and processed markets.
Mariano Zapata, president of proexport, said: “During the month of February, the Region of Murcia is positioned as the world epicentre of innovation in lettuce, celery, cabbage, spinach… All eyes are on the latest developments and the opportunities that seed companies offer for the next campaign. We could say that the ‘Silicon Valley’ of lettuce is in Campo de Cartagena”.
Enza Zaden, Syngenta, Ramiro Arnedo, Tozer, Rijk Zwaan, Meridiem Seeds, BASF, HM Clause and Bejo are amongst the companies that will be exhibiting their new developments.
“It is no coincidence that they have settled here,” Zapata continued, “in addition to having an ideal climate for the development of leafy crops, we must not forget that the southeast of Spain is at the forefront worldwide in terms of technical development, innovation and agricultural sustainability.”
This year, most seed companies agree that the focus has been on developing pest-resistant varieties, particularly to mildew and fusarium, the main threats to lettuce crops.
Spain produces close to 1mn tonnes of lettuce a year on 32,000 ha. By province, Murcia has the largest area with 15,420 ha (46 per cent of the total), followed by Almería with 6,465 ha (20 per cent) and Granada with 2,947 ha (9 per cent), according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Celery is another vegetable that has a significant representation in Murcia and whose acreage is increasing. In 2024, it occupied 1,200 ha, up from 1,150 ha in the previous year. Production grew from 76,900 tonnes in 2023 to 80,244 tonnes last year.
Spinach plantings, meanwhile, fell last year to 1,515 ha compared to 1,800 ha in 2023. Production volume dipped from 20,880 tonnes in 2023 to 17,420 tonnes last year.
