Recent analysis by Hortoinfo, utilizing data from the Junta de Andalucía, reveals a significant rise in the cost of cultivating vine tomatoes in greenhouses across the province of Almeria. Over the past five seasons, the total expense for growing a hectare of vine tomatoes has surged by €14,108, which translates to an increase of 22.23%, bringing the total cost to €77,586.

Labor Costs on the Rise

In the upcoming 2023/2024 agricultural season, labor expenses have emerged as the most substantial cost factor, amounting to €34,928 per hectare. This figure represents an 18.09% increase, equating to an additional €5,351 compared to the 2019/2020 season. The escalation in labor costs is indicative of broader trends in agricultural labor markets, where demand for skilled workers has outpaced supply, driving wages upward.

Seeds and Seedbeds: A Growing Investment

Following labor costs, the second highest expense is associated with seeds and seedbeds, which have reached a total of €7,945 per hectare. This marks a 20.67% increase, or an additional €1,361 compared to the 2019/2020 season. The rising costs in this area can be attributed to various factors including advancements in seed technology and the increasing value of high-quality seed varieties that promise better yields and disease resistance.

Facility Depreciation

The depreciation of greenhouse facilities ranks third in terms of cost, standing at an average of €7,054 per hectare. This reflects a notable 27.26% increase, or €1,511 more than five seasons ago. As greenhouses age, maintenance and replacement costs can escalate, particularly as new technologies and materials emerge that promise greater efficiency and sustainability.

Fertilizer and Manure Expenditures

Fertilizers and manures represent a significant financial commitment as well, costing €5,871 per hectare—an increase of 50.81%, or €1,978 more than in the 2019/2020 season. This sharp rise highlights the growing reliance on high-quality nutrients to ensure optimal plant health and productivity, as well as the increasing costs of raw materials in the agricultural sector.

Phytosanitary Product Costs

Phytosanitary products, which are essential for protecting crops from pests and diseases, incur a cost of €3,262 per hectare. This figure reflects a 25.75% increase, amounting to an additional €668 over the last five years. The escalating prices in this category may be influenced by tighter regulations and the need for more effective, often more expensive, treatments.

Biological Control Measures

In the 2023/2024 season, producers allocated €1,727 per hectare for biological control measures, marking a 15.13% increase compared to five seasons ago. Additionally, the cost of auxiliary materials for biological control stands at €1,361 per hectare, showing an 18.35% increase. The adoption of biological control strategies reflects a shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices, although they often come with a higher price tag.

Water Costs

The cost of water has also seen a dramatic rise, amounting to €2,979 per hectare—a staggering increase of 51.76% over the past five seasons. Water is a critical resource for greenhouse tomato cultivation, and rising costs may be attributed to increased scarcity and higher demand, particularly in arid regions like Almeria.

Comprehensive Cost Analysis

In summary, the detailed analysis of costs associated with vine tomato cultivation encompasses a range of factors including family labor, greenhouse depreciation, facilities, machinery, and other operational expenses. These costs are influenced by various determinants such as transplanting dates, the duration of the growing cycle, the size and location of the farm, and prevailing phytosanitary conditions. The insights provided by the Price and Market Observatory of the Junta de Andalucía underline the complexity and challenges faced by producers in maintaining profitability amidst rising expenses.

Source: hortoinfo.es