Figures were released at the federation of producer-exporters, Fepex's annual general meeting in Madrid earlier this month and showed that tonnage climbed to 6.2million tonnes worth e4.828m.

But the story differed for individual sectors. Vegetable and salad production declined by five per cent in volume to 2.5mt, although values rose by 10 per cent to e2.160m. Fruit sendings were up in volume by 11 per cent and value by 15 per cent to 3.6mt and e2.668m respectively.

The percentage figures for volumes for the full year 2002 are expected to reflect those for the nine months to September.

However, re-elected Fepex president Andrés Cuartero forecasts a likely drop in values as several market forces exerted pressure in the final quarter.

Competition from third countries on a number of lines such as citrus and tomatoes, as well as market saturation, are expected to bring returns down.

And Spain's persisting difficulties in opening up new markets, and a lack of legislation on issues such as labour and water-resource management, have also affected exports, Cuartero revealed at the meeting.

Topics