Extremadura: the tomato campaign has begun with 10% less production than forecasted because of weather conditions

High temperatures and rains in May and June have caused the campaign to start one week earlier than last year, but with a reduced production.
 
Tomatoes have reached the first factories as early as 21 July this year, and this is expected to increase as the high temperatures have advanced the ripening of the tomatoes. Originally, the production forecast was 92 tonnes/hectare, but it is expected to reduce by 10%.
 
This might vary more as the season advances because of sensitivity of the crop to the weather. This year, 22,000 hectares ave been planted (compared to 19,500 last year), so still not back at the usual average of 23,000.
One of the reasons for that is drought. In some areas, sowing was less than expected due to irrigation restrictions (such as in the Canal de Orellana).
 
With regards to price, the contracting price has significantly risen this year by 47%, to 150 euros (from 102 euros/tonne last year).
The Ministry of Agriculture announced a financial aid for tomato farmers who were not able to plant all planned hectares because of drought, up to 456 euros per hectare not planted. This crop is fundamental for the region, as it accounts for 90% of the processing tomato production in Spain.

Sources:
https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-upa-uce-senala-campana-tomate-inicia-10-menos-produccion-extremadura-debido-climatologia-20230721162452.html
https://www.tapasmagazine.es/economia-upa-uce-senala-que-la-campana-de-tomate-se-inicia-con-un-10-menos-de-produccion-en-extremadura/