The Spanish nut sector at a crossroads
1999
Albisu, L.M. (Diputación General de Aragón, Zaragoza (Spain). Servicio de Investigación Agroalimentaria) | Sengul, S. | Meza, L.
Spain has been a traditional nut producer. It is the second largest producer of almonds in the world, after the United States, and the fourth largest for hazelnuts, after Turkey, Italy, and the USA. However, nuts are not only important for their productive purpose since they are planted in areas with few agricultural alternatives. This is the reason for being so widespread all over Spain, with a low planting density, where they play more an environmental role rather than being a source of income. Many growers are part time farmers who live in urban areas and spend weekends on their farms. Most producers are, at least, aware of the problems that the introduction of new cultivation techniques, varieties and new ways of organisations imply. But a large number are too old to undertake the necessary reforms. New challenges, forced by the international competitive environment, require a more dedicated approach. The internationalisation of the economy brings new competitors from different countries that are expanding the cultivated areas for nuts. Consumers require diversity and new varieties are most appreciated. This is the case of Spanish consumers who are more willing to consume other nuts, apart from almonds and hazelnuts. There is still a low recognition for varieties and this is a critical issue as the differential aspect for Spanish nuts is the kind of variety. The Spanish nut sector is at a crossroads and the direction it takes in the next decade will be critical for its future.
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