Growers could lose up to 50 million euros compared to last year, which was also bad, according to data from LA UNIÓ de Llauradors. In June, a 35% reduction in normal production was expected. However, after the summer, it became clear that the harvest would be even smaller, with an average decrease of 55%, which is even higher in certain regions (from 60% up to 75%).
Prices do not compensate for the lack of produce
Although the price of the initial sales is slightly higher than last year’s campaign, it will not compensate for the reduced harvest or the exorbitant increase in production costs. In view of the forecasts pointing to a much smaller harvest, many commercial operators are trying to speed up in-field fruit purchases. The first prices offered range from 0.34 to 0.40 €/kg on average, which is only 14% higher than those of last year’s campaign at this time.
LA UNIÓ’s initial estimation points to losses of € 26 million in income, plus another € 24 million if we take into account the increase in production costs. Total losses would therefore amount to well over € 50 million.
Sharp decrease in nursery sales
According to the latest available data, the amount of kaki plants grown last year in certified nurseries was 4% less than the previous year, while the reduction rises to almost 80% compared to 2015. Weather-related factors have resulted in a series of problems with the current insurance system for this crop, since not all these losses will be covered by insurance but only those that are clearly due to frost.
The agricultural organisation has therefore called on the Agriculture Department to provide special aid schemes for all growers that have an insurance police in force, but will not receive any compensation.
