W9 Strawberry Update: Spanish Strawberry Prices Dip by 8%, La Trinidad Implements Sustainable Solutions Amidst El Niño Challenges, and Punjab's Strawberry Growers Grapple with Low Prices Despite Increased Costs

Spanish Strawberry Prices Drop by 8% WoW Amidst Reduced Production

The Spanish strawberry campaign faces challenges, with production levels only reaching 9% of the expected 20% due to water scarcity, a 50% reduction in agricultural water usage, and insufficient rainfall. In Feb-24, strawberry production decreased by 14% week-over-week (WoW). Despite this, strawberry prices have continued to drop by 8% WoW to USD 2.21 per kilogram (EUR 2.04/kg), compared to the previous week’s price of USD 2.41/kg (EUR 2.22/kg). This downward trend also affected Huelva's strawberry export prices, which have decreased by up to 12% in Germany. Additionally, blueberry prices have declined by 4.8%, while raspberry production and pricing remain stable, with only a slight 0.4% price decrease in Feb-24.

Red Fruit Processing Unit Boosts Prospects for Brazilian Strawberry Producers

In Brazil, the opening of a Red Fruit Processing Unit in Mucugê brought hope to strawberry producers in the area. Funded by a USD 726.5-thousand (BRL 3.6 million) investment from the Bahia state government, this facility will help approximately 200 family-run farms increase their strawberry production and income. Equipped with modern processing machinery such as cooling and freezing chambers, a refrigerated truck, and strawberry processing machines, the Red Fruit Processing Unit aims to improve the value of local produce and create more opportunities for family-run farms. It is expected to have a positive impact on job creation and ensure the quality of the products.

La Trinidad Implements Sustainable Solutions for Strawberry Farming Amidst El Niño Challenges

Strawberry growers in La Trinidad, Philippines, face challenges due to the El Niño phenomenon, which has led to limited fruit production and mite infestations. Farmers are dealing with water scarcity, wilting, and mite attacks. To combat these problems, La Trinidad’s Mayor has introduced mulching, a sustainable technology to protect and maintain plant health. The Department of Agriculture has also launched an irrigation project to support strawberry farms in the barangays of Betag, Pico, and Puguis. Despite these challenges, the town's production is expected to be sufficient for the upcoming three-week-long Strawberry Festival in Mar-24, featuring 10 thousand strawberry cupcakes. La Trinidad is home to approximately 1 thousand strawberry farmers.

Punjab's Strawberry Growers Struggle with Low Prices Despite Increased Production Costs During 2023/24 Season

This 2023/24 season, strawberry crops in the Charsadda district, Pakistan, typically grown in November and harvested in February, have been cultivated on 101 hectares (ha) or 250 acres, an increase from 97 ha (240 ac) in 2023.

Strawberry growers in Punjab are complaining about the low price of their strawberry crop, which is sold at USD 3.62 to (INR 300 to 350/kg), compared to their production costs. A local farmer has been cultivating the crop for eight years but has never profited in proportion to the price. Punjab's strawberry crop usually arrives earlier, selling at USD 16.90 (INR 1,400/kg). The Agriculture Department officials have stated that growers are hesitant to seek advice on improving production methods or fertilizer needs, leading to reduced production. Experts estimate that one acre of cultivation produces about 400 kg of strawberries exported to neighboring Afghanistan.