These are the conclusions drawn after analysing various reports of the Observatory regarding the production of this fruit in Almeria, which has a growing season lasting between three and three and half months.
With a yield of 5 kilos per square metre, the total production cost stood at 0.28 Euro per kilo; 12.5% less than in the previous season.
The average price reached by Galia melons (1st and 2nd class) was 0.42 Euro per kilo, up 7.7% compared to the previous season.
In one of its reports, the Observatory estimated Almeria's total Galia melon production in the 2013/2014 campaign at 26.28 million kilos, which is 32% of the total melon production (taking all varieties into account). According to this data, the fruit's cultivation gave growers a gross income of 11.04 million Euro, and a net income of 3.68 million Euro.
An analysis of the cost report reveals few changes in the 2013/2014 campaign compared to the previous season.
The items that vary are:
Seed and seedlings, with a cost of 0.37 Euro per square metre, are 0.03 Euro more expensive than in the previous season.
Fertiliser costs have been reduced, with 0.10 Euro per square metre in the 2013/2014 campaign, compared with 0.11 in the previous season.
Total expenditure for growing one hectare of Galia melons, family labour included, has increased in the 2013/2014 season to 14,200 Euro.
The cost of producing a kilo of Galia melons in a greenhouse, taking into account average yields of 5 kilos per square metre, stood at 0.28 Euro, 12.5% less than in the previous season. This includes direct and indirect costs, overhead and labour.
