Growing competition for Spanish courgettes in Morocco

The producer affirms that "even though the acreage in our area has remained more or less stable, in Níjar, several hectares of tomatoes have been converted into courgettes. But it is an area with shorter cycles. The main cause for the current situation has been the strong competition from Morocco this year, as it is increasing both its acreage and its production volumes."

As regards the New Delhi virus, the sector appears to be managing to keep it under control by having the greenhouses equipped with better technology. Despite the fact that the high temperatures this year have caused the proliferation of whiteflies (the carrier of the virus), growers are investing in more resources and treatments for courgette greenhouses, which have traditionally been the most rudimentary; a trend which we are also observing in pepper greenhouses.