+33 680 38 14 46
Why almond tree macro-plantations are being reduced in Lleida
Spain
Monday 24 June 2024
VU
During that year, in Lleida, the Marcona almond reached prices of over seven euros per kilo, while the Llargueta and Comuna varieties were valued at between five and four euros (photo: elconfidencial.com).
Vast almond plantations in Lleida (Catalonia, Spain), operated by investment funds, have seen a marked reduction since their boom in 2022.
During that year, the Marcona almond fetched prices in excess of seven euros per kilo, while the Llargueta and Comuna varieties were valued at between five and four euros. However, a subsequent fall in prices has taken these prices to unprofitable levels, especially in irrigated plantations whose costs exceed current prices on the international market.
The COAG organisation points out that investment funds, looking for quick profits, withdraw when profitability expectations are not met. The high initial investment and the disappointing fluctuations in prices have disenchanted many investors.
Interest in investing in almond trees grew in 2017 and 2018 due to attractive prices for varieties such as Llargueta and Marcona. However, the current situation shows a crisis in consumption and stagnant prices, with this trend expected to persist until the 2025/2026 flowering, according to sector experts.
In addition, the reduction in cultivated area, which exceeded 1,400 hectares in 2022 in Lleida, has resulted in lower water consumption. The cultivation of irrigated almond trees, which demand up to three times more water than other fruit trees, has freed up more than 12.5 cubic hectometres of water thanks to this 27% reduction in the cultivated area.
fuente: segre.com
