Decline in cultivated land is jeopardizing the future of Spain's garlic industry

The National Garlic Table Assembly was held in Chinchón (Madrid, Spain) to analyze the current campaign and national planting expectations for the upcoming season. It was confirmed that Spain's garlic cultivation area has decreased for the third consecutive year, with an 8% drop compared to the previous campaign and a cumulative decrease of 23% over the last three years, reaching 22,970 hectares planted.

This decline is also reflected in a 30% reduction in the insured area, highlighting the difficulties and loss of competitiveness in garlic cultivation in Spain. Andalusia leads the fall with a 13.2% decrease, followed by Madrid with 12.2% and Castilla-La Mancha with 8.2%, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The causes of this decline include low profitability, difficulties in finding labor, increased land lease costs, limited access to water, and fewer phytosanitary control tools. Furthermore, the scarcity of products for controlling weeds and diseases increases costs and hinders the development of the crop.

Despite price increases, the balance is negative due to rising production costs, which has driven garlic imports from outside the EU. With early garlic already planted, the next campaign is expected to be similar to the current one.

The National Garlic Table has urged administrations to address the challenges facing the sector, as the loss of competitiveness affects employment and the economy in production areas, essential for curbing rural depopulation and attracting generational change.

source: agroclm.com

photo: josebernad.com