The series of storms that hit several production areas has left its mark on asparagus fields in the Huétor-Tájar region (Granada), the epicentre of activity for the Centro-Sur cooperative (Cesurca). However, the overall outlook is not pessimistic. Antonio Francisco Zamora, president of the organisation, describes the campaign with confidence: “It has initial challenges, but positive prospects in terms of growth and improvements in production and quality.”
According to Zamora, the damage has been localised. Around 5–6% of Cesurca’s cultivated area has suffered severe impact due to flooding, with partial or total losses in some plots. However, across the wider area, rainfall has had a favourable effect: it has restored soil moisture levels and significantly improved asparagus calibre.
At a general level, Zamora expects an increase of between 5% and 8% in the national harvest compared to the previous season, provided weather conditions remain favourable throughout the rest of the campaign.
Drought vs extreme weather events
Although the recovery of water availability has been positive, it does not solve the underlying deficit.
“The structural problem of water availability in the area still persists and requires medium- and long-term planning,” Zamora explains, stressing that in a perennial crop such as asparagus, a short-term approach is insufficient.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is forcing a rethink of field layout, drainage systems and risk management strategies. “The recurrence of these events makes it necessary to promote greater resilience and adaptation to climate change.”
A benchmark in specialty products
In international markets, Spain continues to consolidate its leadership in green asparagus production in Europe, supported by the “high quality of the product and the diversity of available varieties”.
Demand across the continent remains strong, with consumers increasingly inclined towards healthy, versatile and easy-to-prepare products. According to Zamora, there is growing interest in specialties such as purple asparagus, organic asparagus and PGI-certified products, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to diversification.
RELATED NEWS: Increased production and quality at Cesurca
Meanwhile, rising costs, in a context of geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressure, “are being passed along the value chain, ultimately reaching the consumer”. However, demand for healthy, high-quality products is holding up well: “Diversification of supply and the backing of established brands are proving key to maintaining consumer confidence.”
Technological and robotic future
Human resources remain the sector’s Achilles’ heel. Asparagus is a labour-intensive crop, requiring specialised harvesting concentrated in critical periods.
This year, warehouse planning has enabled Cesurca to meet its labour needs, although Zamora acknowledges that this is a factor that “requires constant attention”. In the medium term, “the introduction of technological and robotic solutions is beginning to emerge as a viable alternative to reduce this dependency”.
The future also lies in farm digitalisation, more efficient water use and, urgently, generational renewal.
“The incorporation of trained and competitive growers is essential to guarantee the future of asparagus in traditional areas such as Huétor Tájar.”
