The land in Huelva is prepared for the 2024/25 strawberry season, complete with irrigation. The earliest plants will arrive next week, and by October 3 or 4, most growers will begin planting. It’s expected that between 360 and 370 million plants will be planted, averaging about 9 million per day throughout October, generating around 10,000 jobs during this phase.
Temperatures and rainfall will influence whether the season starts earlier or is delayed by a few days, as cooler temperatures help the plants establish stronger roots. Ideally, moderate rainfall should occur after planting. The planting phase is critical, and the plants’ success depends on the temperature and humidity conditions 10 to 15 days afterward.
A rainy autumn is hoped for, with precipitation expected not only in October but also in the following months. This comes in light of the 25% restrictions on irrigation water supply faced this season. There is a strong desire to avoid a repeat of last year, when water supply was cut by 50%, leading to some plantations finishing their production early. Ensuring adequate rainfall is crucial for sustaining healthy crops and maximizing yields.
Regarding acreage, current data suggests that the area dedicated to strawberries is likely to remain stable or experience only a slight reduction. Conversely, raspberry acreage is expected to decrease again, while blueberry acreage may see an increase. It’s important to note that blueberry production volume is anticipated to rise at a greater rate than the acreage itself, as some plantations from previous years have yet to reach their maximum productive potential.
Last season, Huelva’s blueberry acreage exceeded 4,500 hectares, while strawberries remained the province’s top berry with over 6,000 hectares. Huelva stands out in the European strawberry market for its volume and quality. Although Morocco peaks in fresh strawberry production in December and January, by February and March, most remaining strawberries are used for processing. This means that from February to April, before other European productions begin, Huelva largely dominates the market. In fact, over 77% of the season’s total volume was supplied during these months, according to the Andalusian Regional Government.
Another important factor to consider is that during the colder months, less water is typically needed for irrigation. So, even with the ongoing 25% restriction, it should still be manageable to navigate the crucial part of the season without significant issues.
A rainy autumn is hoped for, with precipitation expected not only in October but also in the following months. This comes in light of the 25% restrictions on irrigation water supply faced this season. There is a strong desire to avoid a repeat of last year, when water supply was cut by 50%, leading to some plantations finishing their production early. Ensuring adequate rainfall is crucial for sustaining healthy crops and maximizing yields.
