Producers in Huelva have devoted a total of 11,243 hectares to berry production for the 2023/2024 campaign. That is 4.75% less than the 11,802 hectares of berries planted last year.
Freshuelva, the association of producers and exporters of strawberries and other berries from Huelva, reported that according to the data provided by its member companies, the area planted with strawberries amounts to 6,100 hectares, i.e. 3.1% less than the 6,295 hectares of last season.
The high temperatures at the start of the planting and the ravages caused by storm Bernard in the middle of the work caused such a delay that the replanting was only completed at the end of November. Fortunately, the subsequent rains contributed to the correct development of the crops.
Meanwhile, the area planted with blueberries remains more or less the same, only increasing by 0.5%, going from 3,602 hectares last season to 3,610 hectares in the current season. Varietal diversification means that there will be blueberries available for the December holidays and that the Spanish product can gain market share over the South American supply.
The blueberry consolidates itself as the second most grown berry in Huelva, only behind strawberries. Blueberries also face strong competition from countries outside the EU, especially during spring.
The area dedicated to blackberries increased by 7.5%, going from 143 to 153 hectares planted. Producers planted new varieties that prolong the production period and that have properties that are highly appreciated by consumers.
Meanwhile, the area devoted to raspberry decreased by 21.5%, going from 1,762 hectares last year to 1,380 hectares. The area is not in production at the same time, as varietal diversification allows harvesting in two seasons, one in autumn and the other in spring.
Raspberry cultivation was hit hardest by storm Bernard.
The berry sector is facing a new season full of uncertainties and setbacks, especially due to the persistent drought throughout the country and the unstoppable increase in cultivation costs. In addition, the weather has become unpredictable and it's been rather unfavorable so far, especially for raspberries in the plantings phase.