The first tomato harvest from Los Palacios and Villafranca closes with over 12 million kilos, a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The sector also celebrates the increase in area and the entry of young farmers.
The Association of Tomato Producers of Los Palacios has concluded the first harvest of the year with a production that has exceeded 12 million kilos, representing an increase of 3.5% compared to the same period last year, equivalent to about 413,000 kilos more. This was confirmed by the mayor and president of the entity, Juan Manuel Valle, after the meeting of the Board of Directors in which representatives from the integrated companies and cooperatives participated: Frupal, Las Nieves, and Parque Norte, along with the municipal delegate for Agriculture, Jesús Condán.
Valle emphasized that producers continue to expand the area dedicated to cultivation, with the construction of new greenhouses, and that young people are entering the sector. "When the cultivation area increases, new greenhouses continue to be built, and young people are joining agriculture, it makes us look to the future with hope," the mayor stated.
Another point valued in the meeting was the behaviour of the average price of tomatoes, which has remained at levels that ensure the profitability of the farms. Commitments with the industrial sector have also been fulfilled, which absorbs several million kilos from the fields of Los Palacios and helps to sustain that average price.
Regarding agricultural incidents, the first part of the campaign has developed without widespread pest problems. Although some isolated cases have been detected, they have not had a significant impact on the overall production.
The association now faces the second harvest of the year with optimism, although forecasts indicate, as is usual, a lower volume than the first. Among the reasons is the decision of some farmers to diversify crops or implement rotations that favour the rest and recovery of the land.
Alongside the production balance, the Association of Producers continues to work on promoting the brand Tomate de Los Palacios, which this summer has had significant media exposure linked to the World Cup and the traditional delivery of tomatoes to the world champion footballers from Los Palacios, Fabián Ruiz and Gavi.
"It has been a boost for the Tomate de Los Palacios brand, and we have had worldwide repercussions like never before," Valle noted.
The mayor and president of the association highlighted that this promotional strategy is the result of the joint work of Frupal, Las Nieves, and Parque Norte, their producers, and the Town Hall of Los Palacios and Villafranca, under the umbrella of the Association of Producers.
"This is the line we continue to work on to enhance the strength of a brand that unites our producers with the Town Hall, a joint effort to continue promoting a product closely linked to the agricultural, economic, and business identity of Los Palacios and Villafranca," Valle affirmed.
The goal is to continue increasing the recognition of Tomate de Los Palacios, strengthen its positioning, and consolidate its presence in the markets, valuing a product that is one of the main references of agriculture and economic activity in the municipality.
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