This season could have been better for zucchini producers in Almeria and Campo de Cartagena, as they have not been able to obtain a selling price that fully covers production costs. Other crops increasingly affected by rising costs are broad beans, because of the labor involved, and artichokes, which need more water than other products.
"Zucchini, broad bean, and artichoke crops are affected by rising costs," says Pepe García, General Manager of Agrodolores El Mirador. "The latter is declining in the area because it needs a lot of quality water, and prices haven't been good in recent seasons either. Little by little, it is becoming a specialist crop."
Broad beans, "like all crops that require more labor, are affected by a shortage of workers and high costs. Logically, they will try to switch to cheaper options," says García.
On the opposite side of the scale, "the price of peppers has behaved very well in Almeria. The influence of Dutch peppers is noticeable in the Murcia season, from April to September, but not in the Almeria season, from August to April. In any case, Campo de Cartagena, which is traditionally a pepper producer, has always competed directly with the Dutch production," says García.
As far as the pressure of Moroccan or Turkish produce is concerned, García says that "Morocco is not a leading name when it comes to peppers, but it is for zucchini. Turkish vegetables have a great influence in the United Kingdom, but not so much in the rest of Europe."
"Broccoli has only had two price peaks. In general, it has been a difficult season with Botrytis problems due to the month and a half of rain," says the head of Agrodolores El Mirador.
Agrodolores El Mirador was founded more than 40 years ago and runs the Dolores de Pacheco, El Mirador, and El Jimenado centers in Murcia and another one in Adra, Almeria. They auction and market the Babu brand and also have a direct sales outlet. They employ around 300 people and have 1,400 growers, of which around 500 are recurrent.
"We mainly export to Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, among others. We work with peppers all year round. Other important products are broccoli, zucchini, melon, and watermelon; typical Almeria products, such as beans, eggplant, and cucumber; and traditional products from Murcia, such as broad beans, artichokes, and cauliflower. We will close 2024 with a turnover of more than 100 million euros and 95 million kilos of fruit and vegetables," says García.
"In August, we set up our own laboratory in El Jimenado to be able to analyze all consignments within 24 hours and ensure that the produce meets all quality standards. For years, we have been running the agricultural producers' academy, which is a way of offering them a complete service and giving back to society," says the head.
For more information:
Pepe García
Agrodolores El Mirador
Tel.: +34 630 08 74 48
[email protected]
https://agrodolores.com