The regional executive in Andalusia has promised to increase its budget to growers in Almería from €6 million (£4.1m) to €10m, in support of integrated crop management (ICM) systems and biological control.

Farm minister for the region Isaías Pérez Saldaña was so impressed with growers’ uptake of ICM on a recent visit to Almerían tomato sites that he announced the increase. He said producers had reacted positively to the phytosanitary scares and subsequent crisis in Almería capsicum production last season. He said the causes of the alerts had “focused growers and companies in the correct use of phytosanitary product, as well as the establishment of biological control as an alternative to chemical control”.

Tomatoes have also strengthened their position in Almería’s export portfolio, and accounted for 32 per cent of horticultural land in the area in 2006-07, up six per cent on the previous season.

The season is yet to get going this year, with early volume coming from Murcia. The campaign from the region to the north-east has already started, and prices are reported to be “quite stable” by grower groups.

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