Agriculture, Transportation & Logistics
SPAIN: CANARY ISLANDS FACES 30% DECREASE IN STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION AND TOUGH COMPETITION FROM HUELVA.
Canarian strawberry producers are struggling to keep up with the competition from Huelva, as well as the high production costs and the ban on soil disinfection products. Despite being the second largest strawberry production area in Spain, the region is facing a challenging year with a 30% decrease in production, making it difficult to compete with Huelva’s over 96% market share. These challenges are affecting all Canarian farmers and contributing to the dwindling number of farmers in the region.
The Canary Islands, the second largest strawberry production area in Spain, is facing a challenging year with a 30% decrease in production and difficulties in competing with Huelva, which accounts for over 96% of Spanish strawberry production.
The region’s production costs are high compared to those of the peninsula, as all inputs, including water and materials for greenhouses, are imported.
Additionally, the ban on soil disinfection products has impacted strawberry nurseries in cold areas of the peninsula and led to the death of plants, resulting in losses for Canarian strawberry producers. In March, Huelva strawberries flood the market, and Canarian strawberries cannot compete with their prices.
These challenges are not unique to the strawberry producers in Valsequillo but all Canarian farmers, who face the double insularity and extra costs of the outermost periphery. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers in the Canary Islands, with fewer farmers every year.