The Coordinator of Agricultural and Livestock Organizations of Almería, COAG Almería, has warned about the dramatic drop in zucchini and aubergine prices. During the last few weeks, average prices have ranged between 30 and 40 cents, at times even falling below 30 cents; a range that is well below both crops' production costs. As a result, Hortyfruta (Andalusia's Fruit and Vegetable Inter-branch Association) activated the extension of the standard for aubergines, which will be applicable starting tomorrow. The measure, unfortunately, does not cover zucchini, Almería's second-largest crop in terms of hectares.
According to Andrés Góngora, provincial secretary of COAG Almería, "This happened because the measures included in the crisis management manual did not cover the zucchini's situation. From our point of view, however, action was also necessary for this crop. Thus, we believe that market management mechanisms must be improved so they can adapt to the specific needs of each moment of the season. These mechanisms are the only guarantees farmers have to access a decent income. We must continue improving them so they function properly to avoid abuses from distribution chains. The inter-branch organization will continue working to make these crisis management mechanisms more effective every day."
It's important to highlight that production volumes are currently lower because it's the middle of winter and there are low temperatures even at night. In zucchini, the situation is worse because this crop has also been badly affected by virosis this season. The scenario implies an added vulnerability in the case of zucchini crops, which means that, in each case, it's important to consider a crop's particular production moment when applying the necessary market regulations.
The main culprits
"It's curious that this crisis should come when production is so low because of the season we are in. It doesn't make sense that prices are well below production costs. In some cases, prices cover less than half of the production costs. Meanwhile, the consumers are charged higher and higher prices, which in turn has a decisive influence on perpetuating the crisis and influencing the market, tipping the balance towards the retailers' profits. This clearly indicates that supermarkets and large distribution chains are once again behind this fall in prices and that they are the only ones responsible and the main culprits in this situation," Góngora stated. The measures developed by Hortyfruta as market regulation mechanisms are the sector's main defenses to stay in business. That's why it's important to perfect their operation and market intervention model.
For more information:
Andrés Góngora
COAG
Tel: +34 619 30 17 54
www.coagalmeria.com