Tropical fruit cultivation has been growing in Spain for years, spearheaded by avocados, which in 2022 accounted for more than 19,500 hectares in the country. In recent years, in fact, official data reveal an interesting development of the acreage. Since the year 2000, when the avocado acreage stood at 8,760 hectares, there has been a 120% increase, although it is worth noting that about 40% of that increase has happened since 2019, when the total acreage stood at 14,100 hectares.
This significant development is largely attributed to pioneers like Viveros Brokaw, whose story is closely linked with the growth of avocado cultivation in Spain. Founded in 1984, the company set out to offer more profitable options to local producers. Since then, Viveros Brokaw has become the world's leading producer of clonal avocado plants, thereby backing the crop's ongoing expansion.
However, the current landscape has brought significant challenges, especially in the region of Málaga, the epicenter of avocado cultivation in Spain. The current drought has affected not only the harvest, but also the plantations themselves, generating uncertainty about future expansions. Despite these obstacles, Juan José Ferrer insists on the long-term viability of avocado cultivation, based on a stable demand and prices.
"Patterns with a greater resistance to poorer quality waters are being tested. Also, to address the concerns about the water footprint, emphasis is being placed on boosting crop productivity. Consequently, the focus is on cultivation patterns that favor greater productivity, as well as on intensive farming techniques that maximize water use efficiency."
"A remarkable trend is the growing interest in avocado cultivation in northern Spain, especially in Galicia. The water supply and the changes in temperatures and climatic conditions are motivating growers to explore new opportunities." Antonio Guirado, commercial director of Viveros Brokaw, points to this growing interest and says that "the north has favorable conditions for avocado cultivation."
"The water consumption per hectare of avocados is comparable to that of citrus plantations, which don't have the same bad press"
The fight against drought has become a priority for the agricultural sector, with innovative approaches to use water more efficiently. "Despite the current bad press about the water footprint of avocados, the consumption per hectare is comparable to that of other crops, such as citrus, which do not face similar criticism."
In addition to avocados, other tropical fruits, such as mangoes and passion fruit, are also gaining ground. Although mangoes have greater resistance to drought, their sensitivity to the cold limits their expansion to other areas. However, in Huelva, the macrotunnels intended for berries are being used for mango cultivation, and the crop has shown to be viable.
"Despite the current challenges, the cultivation of tropical fruits continues to develop in Spain, adapting to changing conditions and with new opportunities sought in various regions of the country," says Antonio.
"In the province of Huelva, we have seen a notable increase in the marketing of passion fruit. A local variety has been developed that has shown excellent results. We are proud to have produced significant quantities of this variety and to have distributed it widely in the province itself."
For more information:
Viveros Brokaw
Finca Peña. Pol. Ind. La Peña
29750 Algarrobo, Malaga, Spain
Tel.: +34 952 03 03 62
[email protected]
www.viverosbrokaw.com