W3 Melon and Watermelon Update: Russian Invasion Drives 23.7% Surge in Watermelon Market, Doubles Fertilizer Costs for Mexican Producers

Spain's Watermelon Production Faces 10% YoY Reduction, Melon Crop to Maintain 2022 Levels

Spain's ASAJA - Association of Young Farmers predicts a 10% year-over-year (YoY) reduction in watermelon cultivation next spring, while the melon crop is forecasted to remain at 2022 levels. In addition, the Association of Young Farmers of the Province of Almería (Asociación De Jóvenes Agricultores - ASAJA ALMERÍA)forecasts that 32.7 thousand hectares (ha) or 81 thousand acres of watermelons and 10.17 thousand ha or 25 thousand acres of melons will be cultivated in greenhouses in 2024. The instability of watermelon prices has forced many producers to continue growing vegetables this spring. However, farmers continue to prefer the Piel de Sapo and Amarillo varieties due to their high prices.

Melon Farming Challenges in Zicuirán, La Huacana, Mexico

Approximately 500 ha of melons are planted in Zicuirán, La Huacana, Mexico, producing 40 tons per year, resulting in 20 thousand tons in the region. However, the countryside lacks support, according to the municipality's mayor. The melon industry has global certifications, but the countryside still lacks support for modernization and materials. The melon is exported to the United States (US), Canada, and Japan due to Trans-Pacific agreements.

Mexican Cantaloupe Melon Units Excluded from Salmonella Outbreak Investigation

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) has stated that primary production units for packaging cantaloupe melon are not involved in the Salmonella spp. outbreak in the US and Canada. Technicians collected samples from Sonora's plant's water, product, and living surfaces in Dec-23 to investigate contamination sources. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the Secretariat of Health reported no Salmonella Sundsvall and Salmonella Oranienburg strains detected in the samples.

Astrakhan's Vegetable Production Reached 9% YoY Growth in Vegetables and Stable Melon Harvest in 2023

In Russia, Astrakhan farmers achieved a successful harvest in 2023, reporting a total production of 2.5 million tons of vegetables, with a notable 9% YoY increase. The Minister of Agriculture and Fishing Industry highlighted the region's prominence in the crop production industry, specifically mentioning a 10% YoY increase in vegetable production and a 12% YoY rise in potato yield. Notably, melon harvests remained consistent with the previous year, totaling around 280 thousand tons, contributing to the region's overall agricultural success.