Spain: Quality prevails at the start of the Almeria watermelon campaign in the greenhouse

ASAJA-Almería reports a significant increase in the production of extra-early watermelons in Almería, with the surface area for cultivation doubling, especially in the Bajo Andarax and Campo de Níjar regions. This early production phase enjoys lower costs and less competition, notably outperforming Senegal due to its production challenges this season. Conversely, there's a notable reduction in medium cycle watermelon cultivation in the Poniente area as farmers shift to alternative crops. The early watermelons are praised for their quality, flavor, sweetness, and color, providing a competitive edge. ASAJA-Almería calls for stringent import controls, accurate labeling, and adherence to European standards for non-EU competitors to ensure food safety and support the local watermelon industry. Additionally, the outdoor watermelon cultivation area in Levante Almeria is seeing a recovery after last year's decline caused by water scarcity, with efforts underway to ensure a seamless transition from greenhouse to outdoor production.