The growers association Agama Bajo Guadalquivir, integrated at national level within Unión de Uniones, has criticised the start of the industrial tomato campaign, which once again follows in the wake of the previous season, with prices proposed by processing companies that fail to cover production costs.
According to Agama, the 2026 campaign, which has only just begun, already shows signs of prolonging the crisis that defined 2025. Last season, prices hovered around 100 €/t and were further undermined by several growing constraints, including adverse weather conditions and an excessive incidence of pests and diseases. This combination ultimately led to a lack of profitability, forcing many farms to inject their own funds into the crop.
In the current campaign, which has only recently started, only Conesa has so far announced a purchase starting price, set at 105 €/t. Sugal, the other buying company, has not yet made any statement. Meanwhile, in Extremadura, the country's main industrial tomato producing region, the industry is also offering contracts at 107 €/t. This situation has likewise been denounced by Extremaduran growers, who point to a university study commissioned by their regional authority that places production costs at 112 €/t.
Agama regrets that prices known to be economically ruinous are still being accepted and warns that the food chain law continues to be ignored.
Abusive clauses from the processing industry
The organisation also highlights certain practices currently appearing in industry contracts, such as the coercion exerted on growers through the inclusion of clauses considered abusive, as well as situations that suggest price fixing across the sector. According to Agama, this reflects the use of a dominant position by the industry and significantly weakens producers' negotiating capacity.
With the sector under severe pressure, Agama urges growers not to sign contracts at prices below production costs and, at the same time, calls on the processing industry to comply with the law.
Finally, the association calls on the public administration to implement the necessary measures to prevent this situation and to avoid the abandonment of a crop that is fundamental to the Lower Guadalquivir. Agama states that it will continue to demand action and will report any unfair practices that may be imposed on growers.
© Agama For further information:
AGAMA
www.agamabajoguadalquivir.es
