Abstract
In Spain’s vegetable production in 2022, lettuce recorded the largest production volume, reaching 969 kt. This is likely because lettuce is a major cultivated vegetable in Spain, and the warm climate and soil conditions are well suited to its cultivation. Spain is also a large exporter of lettuce and other leafy vegetables, and in addition to domestic consumption, exports to other European countries are boosting production volumes. When it comes to tomatoes, looking at their uses, the production of tomatoes for processing is extremely large, and they are cultivated intensively in regions such as Catalonia. Tomatoes are in high demand in the food industry, with processing tomatoes accounting for a large proportion of the production. Land use for tomato cultivation is efficient, and taking advantage of the warm climate, cultivation can take place throughout the year, ensuring a stable supply. Overall, vegetable production in Spain is favourable due to favourable climatic conditions, with many crops grown there, especially in the Mediterranean region. In recent years, there has been a demand for efficient water use and optimized land use, and the introduction of sustainable agricultural techniques is progressing.
Production (by vegetables)
Between 1961 and 2022, Spanish vegetable production has undergone major changes. Lettuce production is particularly notable, hitting a peak of 1.07Mt in 2021, but is now down to 90.9% of its peak. This declining trend is due to several factors, including climate change, diversification of agricultural production, and changing consumer needs. However, lettuce remains a major production in Spain, mainly grown in the country’s warm Mediterranean climate. Lettuce production is particularly thriving in the Andalusia and Murcia regions, and it has a major impact on the export market. However, harvest volumes have remained stable in recent years and are currently sluggish compared to the rapid increases of the past. In addition, in terms of vegetable production overall, in addition to lettuce, there is an increase in crops that are suited to the climatic conditions, such as tomatoes, peppers, and pumpkins, and land use is becoming more efficient and agricultural diversification is progressing. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on water resource management and innovation in agricultural technology, creating a demand for sustainable production methods. Overall, it can be said that vegetable production in Spain is showing signs of stability, but it needs to adapt to changing conditions and markets.
The maximum is 5.23Mt[2016] of Production volume, and the current value is about 69.8%
Yield(by vegetable)
Between 1961 and 2022, Spanish cucumber production has undergone remarkable changes. In particular, in 2020, the maximum yield was recorded at 103 tons per hectare, but this has now decreased to 93.5% of the peak. This declining trend is likely due to climate change, advances in agricultural technology, and changes in demand. Cucumbers occupy an important position in Spanish vegetable production, and are cultivated particularly well in the country’s warm climate. The Mediterranean climate in Andalusia and Murcia is ideal for growing cucumbers, and production is concentrated in these regions. Following the rapid expansion of production in the past, there has been a growing movement in recent years towards more efficient production and stabilization of yields. In addition, the decline in cucumber production from its peak may be due to changes in consumer preferences and a review of agricultural strategies to flexibly respond to market demand. In addition, advances in agricultural technology have led to more efficient production methods and optimized harvest timing, and efforts are being made to cultivate crops in a more sustainable manner. Overall, Spanish cucumber production has remained stable, with improving quality for both national and international markets, although there have been periods of fluctuation, reflecting environmental conditions and economic factors.
The maximum is 103t/ha[2020] of Cucumber, and the current value is about 93.5%
Land use (by vegetables)
According to data from 2022, tomatoes accounted for the largest area of land use in vegetable production across Spain, reaching 45.2 kha (thousand hectares). This shows that tomatoes are a very important crop in Spanish agriculture. Tomatoes are not only consumed domestically but are also actively exported to the European market, so the area under cultivation remains stable and high. Large-scale cultivation is carried out in particular in the Catalonia and Murcia regions, taking advantage of the warm climate and water resources. On the other hand, the average land use area for vegetable production across Spain is 19.5 kha, and crops other than tomatoes are widely grown. For example, lettuce, peppers, and cucumbers are grown as major crops, each concentrated in a particular region. In addition, the total land use area is 175kha, which allows for a wide variety of vegetables to be produced in a well-balanced manner. Up until now, vegetable production in Spain has tended to be based on large-scale commercial agriculture, taking advantage of the country’s warm climate and efficient use of water resources. In recent years, there has been a shift towards sustainable agriculture, with progress being made in optimizing land use and diversifying crops. There is a demand for technologies that take into consideration water resource management and environmental protection.
The maximum is 3.65Mt of Production volume, the average is 3.65Mt, and the total is 3.65Mt
Tomato usage
According to data from 1961, tomato production in Spain was very large, reaching 5.23 Mt (million tonnes) at the time and remaining at a record high ever since. As you can see, Spain is a major producer of tomatoes, especially for processing. Tomatoes are broadly divided into two categories based on their use: those for eating raw and those for processing. Processing tomatoes have close ties to the food industry, as they are used in products such as sauces, ketchup and juices. In Spain, a large part of the land area under tomato cultivation is devoted to processing, with production concentrated in the Catalonia and Valencia regions. Due to their diverse uses, processing tomatoes enjoy stable demand throughout the year and are an important pillar of tomato production. On the other hand, tomatoes for eating are supplied to the fresh market and are actively consumed domestically and exported to the European market. Historically, tomato production in Spain has been driven by large-scale, efficient agricultural techniques, with production volumes remaining stable year on year. In recent years, environmental considerations have led to demand for water resource management and sustainable agricultural techniques, which are also contributing to improved productivity. Overall, Spanish tomato production has an economic and strategic importance that is set to grow stronger in the future.
The maximum is 5.23Mt[2016] of Production volume, and the current value is about 69.8%
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