The second-degree cooperative Onubafruit, from Huelva, one of the leading companies in the production and export of red fruits, is already working on its raspberry campaign while finishing the planting of strawberry plants and, shortly, will begin its extra-early blueberry program.

“We are already in the raspberry campaign, with our own variety programme,” says Francisco Sánchez, manager of Onubafruit. The raspberry is a product that has suffered greatly in recent years, as can be seen in the drop in production surface area in general, both due to the high competition from third countries and the high production costs. “Although raspberry prices are not bad, being able to produce them from April to December involves a huge investment and presents many risks. Although many have avoided this crop because it is the most complicated, we try to ensure that our raspberry farmers continue to invest in it,” he says.

As for blueberries, the costs are much lower in general and production is expected to remain stable this year. “We will start at the end of October or beginning of November with our exclusive varieties, at a time when blueberries have never been harvested before in Huelva. We have five varieties that are really competitive organoleptically, have high productivity, lower harvesting costs and more affordable usage rights for our farmers, so they will be able to obtain greater benefits,” Sánchez points out. “Blueberries are a crop that will continue to grow in production and also in consumption, all over the world, since their antioxidant and nutritional properties are really high,” he adds.

"The prospects for this berry season in terms of water availability are somewhat better than those of the previous season, as we have 10% more water before the rainy season begins," says Francisco Sánchez. "It is in these moments of relative calm that the entire sector should take measures to continue producing in a more efficient and sustainable way."

The manager of Onubafruit refers precisely to the term "sustainability" when using small cooperative farmers, at a time when models such as those of large venture capital funds are becoming more prevalent.

"It seems as if, for many large distribution chains, having many farmers in a cooperative is a problem, while they boast about their commitment to sustainability and small-scale agriculture, I say it clearly," says Francisco Sánchez.

"We have managed to bring together more than a thousand farmers, from the smallest to the largest, unifying criteria to offer a homogeneous production with a guarantee of supply thanks to the great control and protocols in all phases of production, combined with research and development in innovation and in the application of technology that allows them to remain competitive," highlights the manager of Onubafruit.

“The ability of people to feed themselves now and in the future depends on this hard work, and that is why it is essential to support cooperatives and their small farmers. On the other hand, we have the large venture capital funds buying up large amounts of land. Today they are in this sector, but tomorrow they could be speculating on another business and abandoning agriculture altogether. It is a reality and it must be said clearly,” he says.

«Many Spanish farmers are overwhelmed by high production costs, lack of profitability and attacks from certain mainstream press, leading to the abandonment of their land in favour of ever-larger farms with fewer people. There is nothing more sustainable for the future than small farmers. We must vindicate the cooperative as a sustainable model over time. Those who do not have small farmers now will not fill their shelves in the future,» claims Francisco Sánchez.