The high temperatures and the drought, which contrast in memory with the rains of recent days in the province, have determined the start of the strawberry campaign in Huelva as well as its planting, which ended almost at the end of November with a percentage of replanting which, according to Freshuelva, in some cases rose up to 20%.

"It is true that one of the most important problems we have this year is the drought we are going through, despite the recent rains it is quite a challenge for agriculture in Huelva in future campaigns to solve the water problem," explains José Carlos, CEO of Good Berry Fruits. “The plants have suffered a lot from the consequences of this drought, but since Huelva this sector has always been characterized by having efficient and sustainable irrigation systems; that makes the consequences not so noticeable. The new investments in hydroponics, water collection, irrigation systems… have made us overcome this problem without many consequences for our crops”.

“Right now we are already producing strawberries. It is true that the economic, social and commercial aspects are not the best for the normal development of our activity, but we are happy with this start of the campaign”, he highlights. “Strawberries will continue to be in demand in homes due to the great benefits of their consumption; we cannot forget that it is a fruit with a lot of vitamin C, with a great antioxidant capacity, and, in turn, it is a great help to strengthen the immune system of people”.

77,4% of the strawberry area is cultivated in integrated production

The latest data from the 2021/22 strawberry campaign in Huelva shared by the Junta de Andalucía reveal very important and differential data for the sector: 77,4% of the strawberry area in the province was cultivated in integrated production.

“Without a doubt, we can say that strawberries of the highest quality and maximum safety for consumption are produced in Huelva. In Huelva we are very familiar with the integrated production system, but it is not our only flag; We are also at the top of certifications that endorse our production at all levels, both in production and in the use of water with certifications such as the GLOBALG.AP Spring modules, and above all in a very important aspect for us as it is the social aspect, where we are at the forefront of the most important existing ethical certifications”.

“As a result of this concern that all Huelva producers have, we can highlight the PRELSI, the Interfresa Ethical, Labor, Social and Equality Responsibility Plan. It is an avant-garde and pioneering initiative in Europe that since its launch in 2018 has received numerous awards and is supported by a very important part of the Huelva strawberry sector."

"The Huelva berry sector adapts very quickly to new situations"

Blueberries, in addition to strawberries, are already on the starting line for the 2023 campaign. "In some cases, like ours, we have also started the Spanish campaign. And it is that the new varieties are advancing the time of the start of the campaign and that makes us position ourselves with a quality product before our customers”.

"In my particular vision, blueberries are a superfood and, as such, their consumption continues to grow," says José Carlos. "The arrival of productions from other origins has made us less competitive in some markets, but the sector of berries de Huelva adapts very quickly to new situations and I am sure that the productive and commercial mechanisms will be found to position ourselves high in the blueberry trade."