Continuing damp weather is playing havoc with the Spanish strawberry season in Andalusia, while proving beneficial to salad and vegetable growers in neighbouring Murcia.
According to strawberry producer-exporters’ association Freshuelva, the season has not really got off the ground yet and growers are looking to March for salvation as they pick through their crops, removing rotten fruit.
So far, just 10 per cent of the crop has been harvested compared to 20-25 per cent at this point in an average year. Freshuelva manager Rafael Dominguez said: “We are suffering further delays to the season and irreversible fruit losses.”
Producers have already endured severe losses due to inclement weather in December 2009 and January, which have been valued at more than €30 million (£26m). Now they are battling botrytis mould in their crops and have lost half of February’s crop.
These difficulties have been reflected on wholesale markets this week, with variable quality fruit making 50p for 250g on Brighton market, for example.
Meanwhile, in Murcia, rainfall and cool temperatures over the past week have been welcomed. Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca, secretary-general of growers’ organisation Asaja Murcia, said: “The conditions are a joy for growers and the countryside in Murcia. They are very positive for winter crops, fruit trees and vegetables. They help to regulate production and the harvest of winter lines.”
