Valencian stone fruit growers face losses after early-season optimism fades

Valencia’s stone fruit campaign has turned sharply after a promising start, according to AVA-ASAJA. The farmers’ association says the season opened with stronger production, active demand and acceptable farmgate prices, but later deteriorated as the market became oversupplied and prices fell below production costs.

Initial forecasts pointed to a 15% increase in output compared with last year, with the crop expected to exceed 40 million kilos. Early varieties of peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums moved relatively well, supported by steady demand and reasonable prices.

The situation changed in mid-May, when rain was followed by unusually high temperatures and dry westerly winds during harvest. AVA-ASAJA says much of the unpicked fruit ripened too quickly, coinciding with supply from other producing areas and sharply increasing market volumes.

Small-calibre fruit has been hit hardest, with many lots struggling to find buyers. Growers also face higher costs for fertilisers, energy and transport, while reduced access to plant protection tools is adding pressure in the field.

The association warned in particular about the impact of “gusano cabezudo,” a pest affecting apricot trees, and also criticised competition from non-EU suppliers such as Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, which it says operate under less demanding phytosanitary and environmental rules.

source and photo: avaasaja.org