Spanish strawberry production falls as growers diversify crops
Increased crop diversification amongst Spanish strawberry growers was one reason why the industry produced up to 15% less fruit than last season. 
The figures were given by the Huelva Strawberry Growers and Exporters Association, which represents 95% of the sector in the province of Huelva, in turn representing 94% of national production.
The association's president Alberto Garrocho said production would likely end up 10-15% lower than last year, when 279,000 metric tons (MT) were harvested.
He attributed this decline to a reduction in planted surface area from 6,980 hectares last year to 6,340.
"The reduction in hectarage and production was mainly due to the heightened competition with production from other countries, as well as the general trend in Huelva to diversify production from strawberries to other berries," the group said.
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
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