September 09, 2025 | Sur in English |
The mango harvest in Spain’s Málaga and Granada provinces has tripled to about 35,000 tons in 2025, thanks to abundant rainfall following three years of drought. However, despite record yields, farmers are protesting over sharply reduced farmgate prices—around €0.80 per kilogram—while consumers pay between €2 and €6 per kilo in stores.
Farmers’ unions such as UPA and ASAJA denounce what they call an “unsustainable situation,” blaming economic liberalization and unfair market practices that favor large distributors. Many growers report losses exceeding €12,600 per hectare compared to last year, when prices averaged €1.50 per kilogram. Smaller fruits under 400 grams are sold for as little as €0.35–€0.40, further lowering the average return. Farmers warn that if low prices persist, local production could decline, leaving Spain reliant on imported mangoes of lower quality and higher cost.
Meanwhile, local authorities in Vélez-Málaga have intensified security measures to curb thefts from subtropical farms. Police forces are coordinating operations involving drones, helicopters, and rural patrols to protect crops and stabilize agricultural activity. The surveillance plan, implemented under the Popra program, has already led to a “considerable” drop in theft incidents, supporting what could become one of the most productive mango seasons in recent years.
