Córdoba's Agricultural Association of Young Farmers (ASAJA) has reported that the almond harvest season has started in the province of Córdoba. So far, around 15-20% of the production has been harvested, and the sector expects production will be 15% to 20% lower than the approximately 8,700 tons harvested last year.
Harvesting has already begun in some areas. In other areas, it will start in the next few days. The harvest of the later varieties is scheduled for the first half of September.
The municipalities of Palma del Río, Hornachuelos, and Posadas were the areas most affected by the DANA, which took place between October 29 and November 3, and the storms in February and March. As a result, production in these areas will barely reach 10 to 15% of the usual average, estimated at 1,200-1,500 kg of almonds per hectare in irrigated areas. The hail episodes caused significant damage to leaves and branches, as well as breaking buds, "compromising this year's and next year's seasons."
Production levels in the rest of the province are expected to be average, with nearly 1,000 kg of almonds per hectare in irrigated lands and 600 kg in rainfed areas. However, the excessive rainfall in spring affected fruit setting. "That's why production won't be as high as we initially expected this season."
The heavy rainfall also delayed the application of phytosanitary treatments and, therefore, favored the proliferation of pests and diseases. There has been an increase in the presence of red spider mites and tiger mosquitoes, especially in the final stage of the crop cycle. In addition, the incidence of the ochre spot has significantly affected various farms.
The size and quality of the almonds are good to very good this season. Prices are higher than last season. On Tuesday, August 26, Córdoba's commodity market will meet again and address the price situation.
For more information:
Asaja Córdoba
www.asajacordoba.es