Almería gana ante el problema de electricidad y gas en Europa
Electricity and gas, are a serious problem for European greenhouses
The horticultural sector in Europe is raising the alarm, due to the major liquidity problems that are causing the greenhouses situation. Due to high energy prices, even the most (financially) healthy greenhouse horticulture companies are facing immediate liquidity problems. The consequence of a gas crisis and thus an energy crisis in greenhouses in large parts of Central Europe.
Also, greenhouse farms that have already invested in sustainable heat, e.g., from geothermal sources or biomass boilers, are affected, as the SDE (Stimulering Duurzame Energieproductie- Sustainable Energy Production Aid) subsidy they receive in the current system is linked to the gas price.
Now with the onset of cold and bad weather, it will mean a large heating bill. Europe's gas reserves are threatening to run out quickly This fact has led the European distribution giants to try to "armor" themselves with our country's production.
The cessation of the greenhouses in Central Europe enhances Almeria
Due to the situation in Holland, our biggest competitor, nuestro mayor competidor, the agricultural sector in our country, specifically in Andalusia, is expected to be very good shortly.
The traders of fruit and vegetable companies with greenhouses on the coast of Almeria and Granada cannot cope with the avalanche of European distribution chains trying to close deals for their productions.
Our Spanish products are recognized for their quality and food safety compared to other competitors such as Morocco or Turkey.
The prospects are good because we know that we are not going to compete with Holland, although it is a country that still imports a lot and re-exports. The important thing is that we are not affected by the energy crisis because everything is done with the sun and we do not need artificial light or heating.
Not everything is on our side, as the rising price of plastics does make a dent in our economy. This year they have increased by 60% more than three years ago.
Almeria estimates that this fall, there will be an area cultivated of around 35,000 hectares, with an increase in the area devoted to tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Crops under biological control, an environmentally sustainable technique that prioritizes the use of beneficial insects to combat pests, are also increasing. This means that the main pest control agents are insects and mites, natural enemies of pests, thus resulting in a balance between predators and prey. The result, in addition to the fact that phytosanitary products have practically disappeared, is that plants grow more vigorously, fruits are tastier, and the working environment is healthier for humans and contributes to a more sustainable environment.
74% of the main fruit and vegetable products grown in the solar greenhouses in southern Spain -pepper, tomato,, eggplant,, cucumber, zucchini melon, and watermelon- are grown using biological control techniques, 2% more than last season.