Óscar Moret, UAGA's head of fruit production, explains that the heat has reduced the size of the fruit, meaning this season has failed to increase either production or fruit size. The season is not yet over: harvesting will continue in October with Calanda peaches and, in Bajo Cinca, there are still around two weeks left to pick the latest varieties. This final stage of the season could slightly improve the final balance.
High temperatures have particularly affected cherries, a crop whose cultivated area has increased significantly in the region in recent years. In terms of volume, peaches remain the main stone fruit produced in Aragon, followed by nectarines, which are also one of the varieties with the greatest share of exports, especially to Germany, the Nordic countries and the United Kingdom.
The reduction in production and fruit size is compounded by concern over prices. UAGA says that, in many cases, the income farmers receive does not cover production costs. The organization is calling for greater oversight of the food supply chain to reduce the gap between the price received by producers at origin and the price ultimately paid by consumers in supermarkets.
