Coprohníjar expects a good campaign, with 10 ‘eco’ hectares and 50 undergoing conversion
Adverse weather conditions have made setting more complicated in the Levant regions of Almeria, but in general Coprohníjar is expecting a good campaign. The volumes will be similar to those of 2017: approximately 15 million kilos and a slightly larger crop area, increasing from 200 to over 210 hectares, 10 of which are used for ecological crops. The only drop will occur in the mini watermelon volume, probably between 10-15%, due to a problem of lack of seeds.
Regarding the ‘eco’ crop, one of its strategic lines (they expect it to make up 20% of its total production of fruit and vegetables in less than two years), the chairman, Juan Segura informs that they already have 10 hectares of watermelon in production and another 50 undergoing a conversion process.
Apart from this, they are continuing with their traditional line, true to the varieties that have been ensuring them quality, namely: Red Jasper for large watermelons and Precious Petit for minis. They are marketed through Anecoop, of which they are members, under the brand name of Bouquet.
“The future of watermelons continues to be interesting; serious work has been carried out in all the different areas, ranging from the seed companies to production and marketing,” Segura comments. In addition, Almeria’s calendar is set in a good period when there is “virtually no competition.”
Presence at Expolevante
The company from Níjar does not want to miss the 14th edition of Expolevante, to be held between the 18th and the 20th of April. This event will take place when the watermelon campaign is in full swing (the harvest starts around the 20th of April and will continue until the end of June). And the fact is that this trade fair, in addition to meaning a meeting place for the members, is growing at an incredible rate. “This year the surface area is going to double, which is very good news.”
