Stone fruit growers in Lleida face minimal profits and high costs

In Lleida, Spain, stone fruit growers made an average profit of only 5 to 8 cents per kilo marketed last season, according to local media. This reduced margin occurs in a context of increased production costs, especially in labor and packaging materials for export.

A representative of the sector explained that prices paid to farmers rose between 15% and 20%. However, production costs also increased, with a 20% rise in labor costs and a significant impact on the price of packaging since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

In addition, the transition to cartons, driven by European regulations, has made exports more expensive. While a plastic container costs between 2 and 3 cents, a carton can cost as much as 20 cents.

Farmers also pointed out problems with the aid plan to protect crops from pests such as rabbits. Out of a total budget of 6 million euros, only 19,000 euros have been allocated, leaving many fruit growers without sufficient support to deal with this problem.

source: serge.com

photo: conjuntfruit.es