The Association of Cooperatives of Extremadura (Acopaex) expects a similar tomato campaign in the region in terms of production compared to that of 2015 and to the average of recent years, after the prospects were revised slightly downward after storms hit them earlier this month.
As explained by the president of Acopaex, Domingo Fernández, these storms damaged 1,000 of the 24,000 hectares devoted to tomatoes in the region. Consequently, the production is estimated to have been reduced by about 100 million kilos, which is 4 to 5 percent of the total expected.
He recalled that initial forecasts had pointed to a production totalling 2.1 million tonnes.
After the bad start of spring, when heavy rains were recorded, the situation had improved, but only until the arrival of these latest storms in July, which have taken a big toll on the affected areas, stated Fernández.
The head of Acopaex has also reported that the forecasts which now point to a campaign similar to 2015's must still be taken as estimates, as the weather has again shown that it can have a decisive impact.
Furthermore, the spring rains have forced the tomato campaign to start in early August and conclude in late September, although such delays will not affect the product's international sales.
In this regard, he said it is still too early to determine whether the Brexit will affect Extremadura's exports to the UK, as it will take two years for it to happen and for agreements to be reached between the EU and Great Britain.
He also does not believe that the current devaluation of the pound will affect Extremadura's tomato exports to the UK, because "it is a stable currency, and when this crisis is over, it will recover." And besides, most contracts are signed in Euro.
Source: EFE