Agriculture experts predict an optimistic almond season across Spain after two consecutive poor harvests. Almonds remain a key crop, with Spain being the world's second-largest producer. Despite the rise of pistachios and other nuts, almonds constitute 85% of Spain's nut cultivation area.
Increased domestic demand is evident, with almond consumption rising by 32.6% from 2022 to 2023, according to Almendrave data. However, not all almonds in Spanish supermarkets are locally sourced. Since January 1, labeling laws require the indication of the country of origin, aiding in differentiating domestic from imported almonds.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) forecasts a production of 373,558 tons for the 2024/2025 season, marking a recovery from the previous year's challenges due to frosts and droughts. This projection is 9.1% above the average of the last five seasons (2019-2023). Regional variations are notable, with Aragon and Castilla-La Mancha expecting increases of 38% and 49% above their five-year averages, while Valencia and Murcia face declines exceeding 35%.
Almonds dominate Spain's nut cultivation, with organic farming covering a third of the total planted area. Almond trees account for 82% of organic cultivation, compared to 12.3% for pistachios. Organic and rain-fed almond trees represent 33% of the registered crop, with 31% being irrigated. Organic cultivation holds potential, as 22% of the planted area has not reached full production.
In Andalucía, where almond planting continues, organizations like Asaja advocate for restructuring older plantations to enhance production efficiency.
Source: SUR