UPA-UCE Extremadura reported today that the tomato season will start later than usual, with a significant reduction in area and ruinous prices for farmers. The area decreased by 20% over the previous season due to the low purchase prices set by the processing industry and the delay in tomato planting caused by the rains.
According to UPA-UCE Extremadura, the industry exerted pressure at the last minute to plant more tomatoes because the market situation changed and is more favorable worldwide. By then, however, it was already too late. "We hope this serves as a lesson. Next season, the industry must set prices that cover costs and sell their concentrate at a better price, just as the Italian industries do, instead of lowering the price to farmers," stated Ignacio Huertas, Secretary General of UPA-UCE.
In terms of cultivation, there are two concerns. The first is that the plants are now in bloom, and no one knows what the current heat will do to them. The second, that since the planting was delayed, the harvest won't start at the end of July, like it normally does, and will be pushed back until August. "This means we'll have to harvest a large part of our production at the end of September and October. That entails more risks, lower yields, and higher costs, such as an increase in insurance," Huertas said.
"We must inform if we plan to harvest after September 30, as that increases insurance by about 50 euros per hectare," UPA-UCE added.
UPA-UCE Extremadura has again denounced this situation before the AICA because it violates the Food Chain Law.
For more information:
UPA-UCE
www.upa.es