In Spain, stone fruit production this season reached 1.8 million tons, an increase of 3% over the previous year and 9% above the average of the last five seasons, reported Elena Busutil, director general of Agricultural Productions and Markets of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Apricot recorded a 41% increase compared to 2023, with an estimated production of 152,929 tons. Cherry also experienced a significant increase, with 31% more than the previous year, reaching 137,183 tons. Peach, meanwhile, grew by 2% over 2023, reaching 856,574 tons, Fructidor.informs.
In contrast, nectarine production was down 5% from 2023, at 514,181 tons, although still 7% above the average of the last five seasons. Plum also declined, down 5% compared to last year and 8% below average. On the export side, all products in this category, except plum, showed increases in volume and value.
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MAPA also reported that the area planted to melon and watermelon decreased slightly, but watermelon production is expected to increase by 5% over the previous year, reaching 1,205,555 tons. During the meeting, forecasts for the pome fruit season, which began in September, were also discussed, with an estimated production of 807,807 tons, 1% less than the previous season.
Of that amount, 555,280 tons are for apples, up 5% compared to 2023. However, pear production is expected to decrease by 12% to 252,500 tons. Catalonia, the main producing region, is experiencing a significant drop in pear production, due to water stress caused by last year’s drought.
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