Garlic production in Spain grows, but does not recover previous levels

This year, the area planted with garlic in Spain will grow by 5%, reaching 23,956 hectares, according to estimates by the National Garlic Board. Despite this slight upturn, the sowing level of previous years is not yet recovered, as fewer hectares were cultivated in 2024 than in 2023.

The data were presented at a meeting of the European Garlic Contact Group, held in Chabrillan, France, with industry representatives from Spain, France and Italy. During the meeting, the situation of the crop, market movements and current challenges were analyzed.

One of the most prominent topics was the reduction in the planting of purple garlic, a traditional variety that has lost ground due to its low yields. Instead, farmers are opting for more productive varieties to maintain profitability.

The sector is also facing problems due to the disappearance of key phytosanitary products for pest, disease and weed control. This has led to increased costs and a loss of competitiveness vis-à-vis production in third countries, which are not subject to the same requirements.

In addition, European producers denounce the lack of consumer information on the strict conditions faced by agriculture on the continent, which makes it difficult to justify the higher price of European garlic.

Against this backdrop, Julio Bacete, president of the National Garlic Board, proposed greater collaboration between producer countries and scientific institutions to develop a genetic map of garlic. This tool would improve yields, optimize the use of water and nutrients, and strengthen the crop's resistance to climate change.

source: agrodiario.com

photo: krosagro.com