The cultivated area of ​​Huelva berries will remain practically stable for the 2020/21 campaign, with a total of 11.630ha plantations, a drop of 1,8% compared to last season.

The association of producers-exporters Freshuelva has reported that, according to data provided by its affiliated companies, there are 6.105ha planted with strawberries, a contraction of almost 2% over the 6.217ha total of last season.

Blueberry is the only berry that has seen an increase in acreage, with a cultivated area of ​​up to 7,2 percent at 3.310ha. This is mainly due to the plants entering commercial production for the first time.

Within the blueberry category, there has been a marked increase in varietal diversification, especially towards early cultivars that may be on the market from the beginning of the year, or even during the Christmas holidays.

On the contrary, the cultivated area of ​​raspberries has decreased by 10% from 2.300ha to 2.070ha. It is divided into varieties with fall and spring harvest windows. The cultivated area of ​​blackberries is similar to that of last season with 145ha.

Freshuelva said that the figures underline the sector's commitment to diversification, thus guaranteeing the presence of Huelvan berries in the market for almost nine months a year.

The new production season saw widespread rains after planting, which have been mostly good, although a tornado and strong winds in the western part of the province have caused localized damage, mainly in raspberry and blueberry plantations, said the association.