Broccoli is already a consolidated crop in Extremadura. In fact, the acreage has grown from 1,500 hectares to 5,000 in the last decade, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed by the Government of Extremadura. It was reported in a statement that the Center for Scientific and Technological Research of Extremadura (Cicytex) will participate with various activities in the next edition of the International Agroexpo Fair, which will be held from 23 to 26 January in Feval, Don Benito. That fair will be the stage to present the results of its tests with different broccoli varieties.
These tests are intended to find out more about the acclimatization, cultivation cycles, productions and characteristics of different broccoli varieties in the agroclimatic conditions of Las Vegas Bajas, in Extremadura.
In Extremadura, broccoli is mostly an autumn crop intended for industrial processing, either to be frozen or dehydrated. In recent years, the crop's acreage has increased notably in the spring, mainly in Las Vegas Altas del Guadiana. This expansion is due to the fact that the vegetable is considered a very healthy superfood, which is also why the demand for it is on the rise.
Moreover, growers use it as a second crop between two harvests, as this allows the intensification of their plots. For its part, the Government of Extremadura stresses that it is a labor-intensive crop, so it can help generate employment in times when it is needed.
