Persistent rains in the province of Huelva in recent times, and the consequent moisture it brings, are causing a slump in strawberry production that currently is far below the standard levels.

The managing director of Freshuelva Federation of Strawberry Producers and Exporters in Huelva, Rafael Dominguez (pictured), pointed out that “usually at this time we have already reached around 20-25% of the expected production, while at the moment we have obtained barely 10%. Again we are going to experience another delay in the campaign and irreversible fruit losses”, he lamented.

In December and early January other storms damaged the crop and delayed the campaign, causing substantial economic losses. Past forecasts according to which from 15 February the campaign would develop as normal are therefore disproved."

This notwithstanding, the industry remains confident that the season can be saved, hoping that the weather conditions can improve so that “by early March harvesting can begin in such conditions and volumes expected.”

The losses caused by the storms in December 2009  was by 50% in early strawberries, that is around 10,500 tons for 31,750,000 euros.