The 2025 season has been marked by unusual weather conditions that have altered the flowering and pollination of almonds in the province of Almeria. The constant rains in March have mainly affected the early varieties and favored the late almonds, giving rise to a mixed picture.
Almond growing in Almeria
Almería has more than 59,000 hectares devoted to almond cultivation, making it the crop with the biggest area in the municipality. This is a fundamental crop for the regions of Los Vélez, Nacimiento, and Valle del Almanzora, and its importance grows every year. In recent years, the lack of rainfall has affected the almond trees, causing many of them to become dry and weak. Recent rainfall has been a relief, providing the moisture needed to revitalize the trees and improve their health, which is crucial to ensure production in the near future.
© Asaja Almería
Rains adversely affect early almonds
Rainfall in the last weeks of March has directly impacted early almond flowering. Varieties such as Comuna, Desmayo Largueta, and Marcona, which were in full blossom during the peak of the rains, have suffered pollination issues. Humidity has favored the development of fungal diseases, leading to a fall in the production of these varieties.
In general, the rains, which were initially considered positive, ended up affecting the almond trees' flowers and fine shoots, which couldn't develop properly due to the excess humidity.
In contrast, the rains were beneficial for the late varieties
Almond trees planted later (especially those sown in December) have managed to overcome the rains without major issues and are expected to have a traditional and good flowering cycle.
© Asaja Almería
Impact on organic almond
The rains also affected the production of organic almonds, although it is still too early to know the effects. Producers have specific treatments to control fungi, which could mitigate the effects of the weather. However, damage to organically grown almonds will depend on the control of these fungal diseases in the coming weeks.
The regions' prospects
While it's too early to determine the exact impact of the rains and the development of diseases, forecasts in the regions of Los Vélez, Nacimiento, and Valle del Almanzora are positive in the medium to long term. The weather conditions could favor an increase in the production of late almonds. However, producers will have to closely monitor the evolution of the varieties and the possible development of fungi, which could affect the harvest in the coming months.
© Asaja Almería
Price evolution
Almond prices in 2025 continue to concern the sector as they are not quite competitive for producers. However, prices are not expected to continue to fall. Below is a comparison of week 13 prices between 2024 and 2025:
- Common Almond: Week 13 of 2024 – €2.97 | Week 13 of 2025 – €4.71
- Marcona Almond: Week 13 of 2024 – €4.99 | Week 13 of 2025 – €5.63
- Organic almond: Week 13 of 2024 – €5.33 | Week 13 of 2025 – €5.22
Although organic almond prices have experienced a slight drop, the general trend is that prices have stabilized compared to last year. In any case, prices are not expected to fall any further and might rise slightly.
Conclusion
"Despite the challenges brought by the excessive rainfall, especially in early almonds, the outlook for the 2025 season remains positive, especially for the late varieties. In addition, the rains have brought a much-needed respite for the trees' health, as trees have needed this rainfall for some time now. Current prices are not competitive for producers, but we are confident that they'll rebound in the coming months, benefiting producers in Almeria," stated Adoración Blanque, president of ASAJA Almeria.
For more information:
Asaja Almeria
Email: info@asajaalmeria.org
https://asajaalmeria.org/