The challenges of winter for brassica cultivation in Spain.

Winter is a crucial period for the cultivation of brassicas, such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, especially in Murcia, which concentrates 70% of Spain's production. A local media outlet points out that although the summer rains favored the last campaign, farmers are preparing to face potential weather adversities in the coming months.

Brassicas are essential crops for rotation with lettuce, maintaining a strong demand in the Spanish market. Broccoli is the star during the summer, while cauliflower has gained popularity, registering a 60% increase in consumption over the past five years, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

In terms of foreign trade, Murcia leads national broccoli and cauliflower exports, accounting for 66% of the total, reaching 236,786 tons in 2023. The main destinations are England, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Poland, generating over €600 million in exports for Spain.

However, competition from Turkey and Egypt limits the entry of Spanish products into Eastern Europe. José Hernández Torres, a specialist in these crops, highlights the importance of complying with European regulations in terms of quality standards and working conditions.

Regions like Navarra, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia could have a good winter campaign, thanks to the rains received this year. However, Murcia faces challenges due to drought, which could reduce plantings and affect the availability of brassicas in the market.

The use of saline water for irrigation is not a viable solution, as it alters the product's characteristics and slows down production. If rainfall continues to be scarce, there could be a shortage of brassicas, jeopardizing the sustainability of the sector in Murcia, one of the country's most productive areas.

Despite the difficulties, brassica cultivation remains key in Spanish agriculture, with growing demand both domestically and internationally, highlighting the importance of strengthening this strategic sector.

Source: ecomercioagrario.com Photo: elcorreo.com