Spain
The weather situation in the Spanish growing areas is stable at the moment, with daytime temperatures around 25 and night-time temperatures around 6 degrees. According to the forecast for the next ten days, the weather will not change and rain is not expected. So we believe that production will increase in a linear way. One of the main problems, however, is the general lack of water, which means that overall production will continue to decline compared to last year, which was already weak. What could significantly increase production would be rainy days, but they are not in sight.
Comparison to previous season / development
The production volume per hectare so far this season is about 40 % lower than normal and the further trend is consistent. However, the total cultivated area has increased slightly compared to last year.
Specifics
Although Spanish production is slightly lower compared to previous years, we do not expect any relevant supply bottlenecks due to the overall European production.
- Cultivation areas: Granada
- Start of season: CW 12-22
Italy
The main growing area for green asparagus in Italy is in Apulia in the Foggia area. Due to the very cool March, we have a delay of about 10 days here.
In the last few days, the lowest temperatures have repeatedly been around 0 degrees, which has meant that the soils have not warmed up enough and growth has been severely slowed down or stopped. The weather forecasts continue to predict very unsettled, wet weather with lows around 5 – 8 degrees. If the temperatures stabilise in the next few days, a start around 08 April could be possible.
The extreme climatic development in the southern hemispheres causes great difficulties for asparagus producers. The production period, especially in Italy, is being pushed back further and further, thus considerably shortening the season. Whereas about 10 years ago it was still possible to start in mid-March in Italy, in the last 3-4 years it has become increasingly apparent that the season starts between the beginning and middle of April.
- Cultivation areas: Apulia & Region Foggia (Main area)
- Start of season: CW 15-22