Culminating artichoke season in the Guadalentín Valley

Artichoke growers in the Guadalentín Valley (the region of Murcia, Spain) are finishing an outstanding season in terms of prices and volume, despite the lack of rain.

 

Plácido Pérez-Chuecos, president of Coag, indicated that between November and December, prices per kilo reached record levels of three to four euros, driven by demand exceeding supply. During the rest of the season, the price remained above the euro, covering production costs of 65 to 70 cents. Harvest is expected to be completed by the end of May, favoured by mild spring temperatures.

 

The cultivation area was reduced by 30% due to high demands for water, fertiliser and labour. However, demand for artichoke remains high with farmers opting for the hybrid variety Green Queen. Francisco Martínez, a technician from Alimer, points out that this variety represents 60% of the current crop and is expected to increase to 70% next season.

 

Martínez warns of the risk of overproduction of Green Queen, which could have a negative impact on prices. To avoid this, he recommends diversifying crops and planting both varieties.