The agricultural season of 2023-24 in Almería has delivered a mixed bag of results. On one hand, the province reported a production increase of 3.1%, totaling nearly 1.8 million tonnes of food from September to March. Conversely, this uptick in volume was counterbalanced by a downturn in market prices, notably for primary crops like eggplant and zucchini, which saw price reductions of 33% and 19% respectively.
Despite the prevailing market adversities, watermelon and melon cultivators experienced a favorable outcome, with watermelon prices surging by 28% and melon by 13%, marking them as the season's exceptions in terms of profitability. Nonetheless, the broader picture reveals a sector under pressure, with crops such as peppers facing the double jeopardy of price deflation and escalating production expenses, attributed to inflation and heightened energy costs.
The scenario underscores a period of adjustment for Almería's agricultural sector, characterized by increased yields yet diminishing returns due to rising input costs. The campaign is perceived as a transitional phase, with aspirations for more consistent pricing in the forthcoming periods to bolster Almería's standing in the agricultural domain. Despite a boost in exports, the sector is navigating through thinning profit margins.
Source: EuroWeekly