The Spanish province of Huelva is preparing for a new berry campaign in the shadow of the consequences that the first wave of the coronavirus brought to the sector in spring. "A few days ago the strawberry planting phase was completed," says Rafael Domínguez, manager of the association of producers and marketers of the sector, Freshuelva. “We don't have exact figures yet, but when it comes to strawberries, the acreage will not be significantly different from last year. For some varieties, it may even be slightly reduced."

“The good thing about this year is that it rained at the right time,” says Rafael. “The month of October last year was very warm, which caused many problems during planting and increased plant mortality, which caused a drop in production. This year, in addition to the rain, there have also been more autumnal temperatures and more humidity, which is just what the plants need during the first days after transplanting, ”he says.“ Consequently, this year there is less replacement of plants. ”

"Regarding raspberries, the area devoted to winter varieties has been reduced, so the volume of production could be reduced in the coming months," he comments. "Planting for the spring crop is already underway, although we don't have information on the area yet."

"In blueberries, a little more production is expected than last year due to the increase in the yields of the new plantations, which are entering their third year of production," says Rafael. "Meanwhile, the blackberry area will remain at the same level as last year, with 150 hectares already in the province."

Restrictions return to Europe
This year, the berry sector in Huelva has faced an unprecedented situation. The COVID-19 outbreak in March led to the imposition of mobility limitations that led to a serious employment crisis in the province. The market was also distorted by the closure of large marketing channels for these fruits, including the horeca sector and markets, and the change in the behavior of European consumers.

"In this context, if we had had the expected production of strawberries, we would have found ourselves with a larger stock and nowhere to place it due to the pandemic," says Rafael Domínguez. “The restrictions are starting again now in Europe. Hopefully by the time our campaign begins, around Christmas, we will no longer have to deal with such restrictive measures. "

Brexit, an imminent challenge

The berries are expected to be one of the products that will be subject to export tariffs when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on January 1, 2021. “The United Kingdom announced on the day that the tariffs would rise to 10% for strawberries and raspberries. and at 8% for blackberries and blueberries,” he says. "We are talking about a country that is the largest market for raspberries, and that receives 33% of the exported production. It is also the second market for blueberries in Huelva, only behind Germany, and the third for strawberries”.

This situation could tip the balance for other origins that compete with Spain in the British market, since they would be exempt from tariffs. "We have requested compensatory measures from the European Union through the Ministry of Agriculture of Spain, given the impact this will have on the berry sector, such as greater flexibility in the execution of operational programs for the next season, including may consider plants an entrance. We have also asked the Ministry to try to open new markets, ”says Rafael.

In the coming days, Freshuelva will have more figures and statistics on berry plantations in the province for the 2020/2021 campaign.