The organic sector faces significant challenges. Inflation has taken a toll on European consumer demand. Over the past two years, there has been a decline in cultivated organic acreage, and some companies have discontinued their organic lines. In key markets like France, some retailers have reduced or even eliminated their organic product lines.
From the production perspective, Fernando Martín, manager of Bio Procam, explains: “On the shelves, the price gap between organic and conventional products is very high, but this does not translate to organic producers, who achieve lower yields and face higher production costs.”
Despite these challenges, the company continues its strategy focused on adaptation and efficiency. This season, they expect to surpass 10,000 tons, driven mainly by an increase in cucumber and avocado production.
More Cucumbers
Cucumber, their flagship product, is growing by 5–10% during the autumn-winter season, boosted by atypical weather conditions until November. This growth is expected to result in an estimated production exceeding 6,000 tons, primarily of the Dutch type (90%), with the rest being French and snack cucumbers.
Although the season began with low prices, the market is now showing positive signs due to reduced product availability. However, Martín notes: “The season should achieve higher prices; it is not profitable to produce it below €1.3/kg on average under current cultivation conditions.”
Tomatoes and Complementary Crops
In tomatoes, the company is reintroducing cherry tomatoes but only during the winter, expanding their portfolio, which includes black and red Marmande, vine tomatoes, and plum tomatoes.
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In complementary crops, eggplant production remains stable in volume with improved prices, while green beans are seeing high demand hindered by labor shortages. Martín explains: “To harvest 1 hectare, we need up to 12 workers, and there aren’t enough, not to mention the associated costs.”
Progress in Tropicals
In tropical fruits, Bio Procam has produced 400,000 kg of mangoes, a 33% increase compared to 2023/24. However, in avocados, a global oversupply has led to a price drop of 12–15% compared to 2023/24. To mitigate these effects, the company regulates harvests to avoid stock surpluses.
