Reduction in areas destined to garlic cultivation in Spain

In the coming season, a reduction in the extension of land destined to garlic cultivation in Spain is projected, according to the forecasts of Coopaman, the cooperative specialized in Purple Garlic from Las Pedroñeras (Province of Cuenca).

 

David Rodríguez Virgós, manager of the entity, points out that one of the reasons behind this expectation is the complicated season last year, with a loss of product between 40% and 50%.

 

This scenario is aggravated by the difficulties faced by farmers in accessing water, added to the increase in input costs. The prolonged drought and restrictions on water extraction complicate the planting of this crop in the region.

 

Although garlic, especially purple garlic from Las Pedroñeras, does not require an exorbitant amount of water, it does need "a fairly reasonable amount, always less than other products grown in the area, such as onions," explains the manager. Despite this, he stresses that an indispensable minimum of water is always necessary.