W10 Strawberry: Organic Strawberry Export Prices in Florida Surged by 6% YoY, Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture Addresses Strawberry Contamination Allegations, and Spanish Strawberries Endorsed by UPA Amid Health Concerns

Organic Strawberry Shipping Prices in Florida Rise by 6% YoY in Feb-24

According to RaboResearch, organic strawberry shipping prices from Florida rose by 6% year-over-year (YoY) to about USD 18 in Feb-24. Moreover, California planted over 4.6 thousand hectares (ha) of strawberries in Santa Maria, marking its highest acreage since 2015, a 9% YoY increase. On the other hand, United States (US) blueberry imports rebounded in Feb-24, with prices increasing by approximately 10% YoY.

AVA-ASAJA Urges Action Following Hepatitis A Contamination in Moroccan Strawberries

The European Union (EU)'s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has issued a serious alert after detecting hepatitis A in strawberries from Morocco at a Spanish entry point. The high levels of contamination exceed the maximum allowed limit per 25 grams (g), posing a significant public health risk. The Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA) urgently requests action from the Spanish and EU governments. They have also contacted the Minister of Agriculture seeking clarification from the Moroccan government and future preventive measures.

Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture Denies Strawberry Contamination Rumors

According to the released report on March 11, 2024, the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests (MAPMDREF) has denied rumors about the presence of the hepatitis A virus in Moroccan strawberries and has conducted extensive analyses. The National Food Safety Office (ONSSA) has performed all required tests at the production unit level to evaluate quality and detect potential health hazards. Laboratory tests revealed no hepatitis A contamination on the strawberries. Field workers are closely monitored to guarantee the health and safety of the strawberries. The ministry has the authority to take legal action against those spreading false information and combat sources that spread misinformation about national agricultural products. Consumers are advised to be cautious and rely on official sources for information on food safety. ONSSA is dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food products in Morocco.

UPA Campaigns for Spanish Strawberries Amid Moroccan Contamination Concerns

The Union of Small Farmers (UPA) in Spain has initiated a campaign to endorse the quality and safety of strawberries from Huelva in response to a Hepatitis A warning associated with Moroccan strawberries. The UPA Andalusia's deputy secretary has reassured consumers about the health and sustainability of Huelva's strawberries. Huelva is the top strawberry producer in Europe. UPA Andalucía has advised consumers to check for code 84 on strawberry labels, indicating that the product is from Spain.

Moldovan Association Advocates for Remontant Strawberry Cultivation Amidst Price Pressure

Moldovan farmers predominantly cultivate early varieties of garden strawberries using protected soil technologies, favoring them over late varieties. This trend is expected to continue in 2024, as imported strawberries have entered the market earlier. Consequently, the peak sales season for early strawberry varieties has shortened, leading to price pressure. The Association of Berry Producers Pomușoarele Moldovei suggests farmers grow Remontant strawberries, but late varieties aren't popular outside a small market. Five specialized farms in Moldova commercially produce Remontant strawberries, producing 100 to 150 tons of products. The demand for late strawberries is relatively low in Moldova, which limits price growth. Late strawberries are typically priced 10% to 20% lower than early ones due to less competition in the market during spring. However, the Remontant strawberry season in Moldova in 2023 lasted longer than usual, with the final price almost equaling the starting price for early greenhouse strawberries.

High Availability Lowers Local Strawberry Prices in Egypt During W10

The price of fresh strawberries in Egypt continues to decline, reaching USD 0.41/kg (EGP 15/kg) in Mar-24, compared to USD 0.54/kg (EGP 20/kg) in Jan-24. This decrease is attributed to strawberries' high availability and short shelf life. Despite the lower prices, demand for strawberries remains strong due to their popularity.