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Almond Crop Halved on Mallorca
The Mallorcan almond is in critical situation. According to the Department of Agriculture in the last five years an area of 32,846 hectares no longer produces almonds on the island. In 2005, 57,289 hectares were registered with almond producing trees. Today, however, there are only 24,443 hectares. The low profitability, the high cost of harvesting and competition from the U.S. are taking their toll on the sector.
In areas of Pla and south Mallorca, regions of high almond production during the twentieth century, are seeing a gradual substitution of almonds for olives. While it is
true, the acres of olive production under the Denomination of Origin Oli of Mallorca have not changed in recent years (8,110), there are many farmers who have planted olive trees where once impressive almond trees stood. A part of these farmers grow olives in their spare time and develop their own oil. The production is intended for personal use, gifts and a small part to the market to cover costs.
The rise of the olive tree to the detriment of the almond is tested by analysing the evolution of Mallorcan production of these fruits. In 2005 the island collected 16,769 tons, in 2010 6,073 tons and this year they have not exceeded 2,200. The Olive production is clearly ascending: 4,72 tons in 2005, 1,436 in 2007, 1,894 in 2009 and in 2011 2,430 tons.
Source: Diariodemallorca
