"EU: "Tomatoes are the most profitable crop"

--If the new CAP is approved as it currently stands, will it affect producers to the point that they will have to abandon the crop?

--The proposal is terrible for the sector. We believe that many producers may indeed be forced to abandon the crop. If it is approved as it stands, it will be a disaster for the tomato processing industry.

--What is your proposal on behalf of the OEIT?

--We want limitations to be in place, as irrigated crops are the most affected. A person's funding cannot be lowered from 100% to just 10%. It is true that tomatoes are a very productive crop, but they require a large investment. To grow one hectare of tomatoes, you need 6,000 Euro, while a hectare of corn requires 2,000. This must be taken into account; the funding cannot be the same.

--The winter is quite harsh. Is this affecting tomato producers?

--No. The production will start in February this year and if everything develops normally, nobody will be affected. It is still early to say.

--Extremadura's tomato harvest closed 2012 with a 20% increase in production, reaching 84 tonnes per hectare, when 72 were expected. Is this higher production coupled with an increase in quality?

--One thing does not necessary entail the other. A general increase in production per hectare has been registered as a consequence of last year's weather conditions. It is good for producers, although it ruined the processing industry's planning. I imagine producers will be very happy.

--Are you familiar with Extremadura's processing plants, such as Tomix, Tomates del Guadiana or Tomalia? Do you think their technological level is up to a good standard?

--I have only heard of them. The optimal technological level is very hard to reach, because it would imply buying the latest tomato-processing technology and it is very expensive. I have been told that they are up to the standard of any European plant.

--What is the latest in tomato processing technology?

--The Apollo. It is an evaporator. We boil the fruit and remove seeds and peel. Finally, water needs to be eliminated, but to do this a lot of energy is required. This machine re-introduces in the system the energy used by other machines. It allows for more efficient work with a lower energy cost, which increases the machine's profitability.

--Tomatoes also go through comprehensive sanitary controls before consumption.

--Controls are numerous and essential, because tomatoes are a food product which must abide to European health regulations. All processing firms are also visited by their clients during the production stage to make sure that all product specifications are met. Our clients' demands are even stricter than the European regulations. Tomatoes are one of the most controlled European products.

--Your conference at Agroexpo will deal with tomatoes from an international perspective. Are all European producers in the same boat?

--No. When it comes to commercial activities, each one operates independently. It cannot be said that a common strategy is in place, but I would like the OEIT to coordinate a joint action, while always allowing each firm's specific commercial management decisions.

--Does tomato growing have a future?

--Yes, tomatoes are traditionally the most profitable crop, despite being also expensive to grow. It is a very popular product, with a great future, and it has developed in a fantastic way in the last 20 years. We must find a formula, which is not the European Commission's proposal, for producers to reach performance levels that motivate them to continue growing tomatoes. 

--What would you say to a professional who may be considering abandoning the crop?

--Everyone should be free to decide what they want to do, but I would tell them to study their alternatives carefully, because there can be other crops as profitable as tomatoes, but which are not as stable. 

Source: Elperiodicoextremadura.com