Garlic harvesting in Córdoba will commence this week, around May 15, following the usual schedule. It will start with the 'spring' variety and conclude with purple garlic, a product of great economic and social importance in the southern municipalities of the province.
Estimates suggest a harvest increase of between 40% and 50% compared to last year, when over 8,000 tons were produced. This improvement is mainly attributed to favorable weather conditions, especially the amount of rainfall during winter.
“"The weather, especially the large amount of rain, is the main cause of this increased production."
Despite the positive production outlook, the cultivated area remains below 1,000 hectares, a figure significantly lower than the 7,000 hectares the province once had. This reduction is partly due to uncertainty about water availability for irrigation at the time of planting.
The sector's main concern lies in unfair competition from garlic imports from Egypt, which enter the European market at very low prices, making it difficult for Córdoba's product to compete. Producers are urging the European Union to impose tariffs to protect the local market.
“"We view with concern the arrival of produce from Egypt because it is a market that produces large volumes, covering a commercial niche in Europe that demands fresh garlic, which we cannot supply until next month when the first harvests start coming from here."
Furthermore, the armed conflict in Iran is also negatively impacting maritime transport costs, adding to the economic pressure on farmers. Some companies in the sector, such as La Abuela Carmen, are investing in innovation, developing new products like black garlic with ginger and exploring its adaptation to other crops.
