Melon producers in Murcia have forecast a lower volume of high quality crops for this season.

Producers’ association Asaja Murcia said both melons and watermelons were of very high quality after growers implemented “exhaustive” quality control. “Estimates for output are for a good quality crop although climatic factors have produced a decline in production,” said secretary general Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca.

In contrast to recent years growers were extremely optimistic about pricing, Gálvez added. “The sector is very hopeful that this year it will get back on track and earn returns that outstrip production costs, especially considering that the season is likely to last through into July.”

Recent rising temperatures both in Spain and in its main markets of the UK, Germany and France are boosting both output and consumption.

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