The acreage for peppers in Almeria increased this season with 14.58% compared to the previous season (8,406 hectares in 2012/2013, 7,336 hectares in 2012/2011, 7240 hectares in 2011/2010 and 7398 hectares in 2010/2009) according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture of Andalusia.
Compared to the previous season there was some growth, but because of the weather conditions this did not exceed 5.65%. Due to lower production in the Netherlands and Israel, prices remained stable. In the 2012/2013 season 540,590 tons was produced, as opposed to 511,645 tons in 2011/2012, 468,862 tons in 2010/2011 and 435,565 tons in 2009/2010.
The regional Ministry of Agriculture of Andalusia notes that the higher export and better price levels were due to an early finish of the Dutch season and the delay of the harvest season in Israel. In early 2013, there were minor fluctuations, in March there was a steady increase up to 1.18 € / kg. The low temperatures in Central and Southern Europe caused a delay and a lower harvest. Production in Israel was insufficient for the demand in Europe.
The Almeria production decreased gradually in the spring and was supplemented by Murcia, but production from this province was low until April.
Source: Hortoinfo