The Strawberry Contact Group, comprising representatives from France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, including producer and exporter associations like Freshuelva-Fepex, is focusing on technological innovation to tackle climate change impacts on red fruit production. At a meeting in Portugal, the necessity for adopting Agriculture 4.0 technologies was underscored. These include control unit installations for climatic data and phenological phase monitoring, aiming to optimize water and fertilizer distribution based on crop needs.

The group also emphasized the importance of genetic research for developing crop varieties resilient to water and heat stress, catering simultaneously to consumer taste preferences. European producers are advocating for increased European Union support to ensure equitable market access for their products compared to those from non-EU countries. They highlighted the challenges posed by rising production costs, climatic adversities, and stringent EU phytosanitary regulations, which lead to market imbalances.

Additionally, the creation of a European Zonal Registry for Phytosanitary Products was agreed upon to streamline the registration process and alleviate existing barriers. In Spain, a 10% export reduction was noted, attributed to climatic challenges, with a 3% decrease in strawberry cultivation area, marked by significant replanting due to adverse weather conditions. Conversely, France reported a production focus on national consumption with stable cultivation areas despite increased production costs. The Portuguese delegation reported the notable growth experienced both in hectares and in tonnage of raspberries, a product in which the Portuguese country is acquiring a prominent position.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com