seek stability
The agriculture sector in the Region of Murcia is gearing up to strengthen its position in international markets for the autumn and winter fruit and vegetable campaigns. The looming water shortage, however, casts doubt on the upcoming hydrological year, with changes evaluated every September 30. In the Cartagena area, Manuel Martínez, president of the water users, says the cycle will likely close its current phase very tight after the late summer harvests. There is real uncertainty about what could happen, driven by reserves at the headwaters of the Tagus and the rainfall outlook for those basins in the coming months.
The Ministry of Ecological Transition reports a cut of 15 hectares of irrigation water in the last three months via diversions. The drought in the Segura basin is intensified by a lack of precipitation. Although May brought substantial rainfall, discharges were reduced cautiously. Cartagena’s irrigation system accounts for about 1.8 hm3 per month of the country’s final cut shipments. At present, irrigation can be sustained for about one week, and with contributions from Torrevieja desalination, the margin rises to roughly two weeks, yet the water from treatment plants remains insufficient.
The winter campaign faces uncertainty as many farmers consider moving water-dependent crops to other regions like Andalusia, where there is a perceived water guarantee. Almería, Seville, and Huelva are cited as areas where some production may be relocated to secure supply. If a 100-hectare farm becomes available and 30 hectares can be used, producers might shift a similar share to Murcia, shaping the next campaign’s design.
Manufacturers must commit to European customers to ensure supply during foreign supermarkets’ campaigns that matches past levels. Losing a customer is costly to recover. Without water, sowing is not feasible. Producers are seeking stability as best they can. The forecast for the next campaign remains precarious if rainfall does not improve, especially in both the Tagus and Segura basins.
And recent rains may have helped close the annual hydrological cycle with some guaranteed water supplies, notes Antonio Moreno, secretary general of UPA Murcia. They saved water for irrigation, yet reserves did not increase significantly. Doubts hinge on autumn rains in Segura and Tagus. Harvest plans begin in October, though most crops will reach markets in September.
Pre-Export Outlook Fernando Gómez, general manager, emphasizes that growth in horticulture in the region is not yet assured. Hydric limits and cautious demand temper optimism across crops. Trust is essential, and security for customers matters. The aim is to reassure buyers and ensure supply cycles run smoothly across the campaign. External promotion of the regional primary sector and staged supplies on European shelves are key negotiation points. If confidence remains, supply contracts may close as normally expected.
During the previous winter, a stringent trade policy from some British supermarkets led to shortages of certain fruits and vegetables. It wasn’t a matter of quantity but rather the marketing path that produced shorter contracts during that campaign. Gómez believes Britain will learn from past mistakes and adapt its export approach accordingly.
melon
Melon and watermelon illustrate the impact of recent climate fluctuations. Spring rains and hail damaged crops in the Guadalentín Valley and the Lorca highlands, while high temperatures caused some flowers to fall. The yield per decare did not meet expectations, according to the UPA Murcia secretary. Proexport notes a disastrous hail impact, but August has seen a recovery in the region’s highlands, aided by cooler nights and reduced irrigation needs. Production in these weeks shows good size and sweetness, and consumption could rise with the current heatwave. European rainfall, however, has limited enthusiasm for these fruits and complicates purchases.
Despite the challenges, August has brought improvements. Proexport reports that the highlands are returning to normal with favorable night temperatures. The market response hinges on European weather patterns, which affect demand for these crops.
The last crops of summer will go to the national market
Farmers navigate a transition period as they harvest the last summer produce and prepare soil for winter horticulture destined for national and international markets. Broccoli remnants and lettuce are concentrated in higher areas such as Jumilla, Yecla, and Hellín, where regional companies operate.
Gómez explains that months remain to work seed beds, rest soils, and replant. Outdoor pepper planting ends due to permit constraints on soil disinfection for extended harvests through August. Solarization reduces yields, though nourishment is applied before leaving soil ready for future cycles. Murcia’s pepper faces intense competition from Dutch suppliers, resulting in lower prices, yet regional production remains adequate. Hydroponic pepper in greenhouses continues through the month, with non-harvested crops and Mazarrón greenhouse tomatoes joining the national trade as European production recovers for winter. The bulk supply is expected from September onward.