Producers' association Freshuelva said this indicates stability is returning to the sector after the complicated seasons of recent years.

Growers are hoping to equal or better the 2001-02 campaign, which saw a 33 per cent rise in production on the previous year and a return to the headier years of 1996, 1997 and 1998. Production climbed to 246,000tonnes last year with 206,000t destined for the fresh market.

Producers also appear to have solved the labour issues that have traditionally dogged the sector at harvest time.

After last year's successful trial, seasonal contracts are being issued to 12,000 immigrant workers in their countries of origin before they travel to Spain to supplement the efforts of the local workforce.

Freshuelva general manager Manuel Verdier has dubbed the initiative a 'successful idea'.

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