The start of Huelva's strawberry and planting campaign was determined by the high temperatures and drought in the region. The planting phase finished almost at the end of November with a percentage of replantings that, according to Freshuelva, in some cases rose to 20%.
"The drought is one of the most important problems we've faced this year. Despite the recent rains, the challenge for Huelva's agricultural sector is to solve the water issue for future campaigns," stated Jose Carlos, CEO of Good Berry Fruits. "Plants have suffered a lot because of the drought. Fortunately, Huelva's agricultural sector has always been characterized by efficient and sustainable irrigation systems; so the consequences are not so noticeable. The new investments in hydroponics, water harvesting, irrigation systems... have allowed us to face this problem without having many consequences for our crops."
"Good Berry Fruits has been committed to premium varieties for several years," stated Jose Carlos.
"We are already producing strawberries. While it is true that the economic, social, and commercial situation is not the best for the normal development of our activity, we are happy with the beginning of this campaign," he added. "Consumers will continue to demand strawberries because of their health benefits; as this fruit has a lot of vitamin C, antioxidants, and helps strengthen the immune system of people."
77.4% of the strawberry area is cultivated in integrated production
The latest data from the 2021/22 strawberry campaign in Huelva shared by the Junta de Andalucía reveal that 77.4% of the province's strawberry area was cultivated in integrated production, a very important and differential information for the sector.
"Huelva produces strawberries of the highest quality and maximum safety. In Huelva, we are very familiar with the integrated production system. In addition, we have different certifications, such as GLOBAL GAP Spring Modules, which guarantee our sectors' productions, use of water, and social work; a very important factor for us."
"An example of this is Interfresa's PRELSI, (Ethical, Labor, Social Responsibility, and Equality Plan). It is an avant-garde and pioneering initiative in Europe that has received numerous awards since it was launched in 2018 and is supported by a very important part of Huelva's strawberry sector."
"Huelva's berries sector adapts very quickly to new situations"
The blueberry 2023 campaign is also about to start. "We, for example, have already started the Spanish campaign. The new varieties are advancing the start of the campaign allowing us to position ourselves with a quality product."
"Blueberry is a superfood and, as such, its consumption continues to grow," stated Jose Carlos. "The arrival of productions from other origins has made us less competitive in some markets. Fortunately, Huelva's berry sector is capable of adapting very quickly to new situations and I'm sure that we'll find the productive and commercial mechanisms to position ourselves strongly in the blueberry trade."
For more information:
Good Berry Fruits
C/ Galera, 4
21100 Punta Umbría, Huelva (España)
Tel.: +34 661 182 793
[email protected]
https://goodberryfruits.es