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Spain is expected to produce 60,000 tons of green asparagus this year. But recent rains and flooding have hampered forecasts. Producers in Guadalajara are already reporting losses of 15%.
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For sale a used LUTZ hiller for white or green asparagus at Le Bon Coin
Problems with leaf beetles on green asparagus during harvest, see TF1 news report
Nicolás Chica, director of Agroláchar (Spain): “A period of very strong demand for green asparagus in Europe is approaching” by FreshPlaza
The green asparagus harvest is going very well in Granada. “This year, we are doing much better than in recent years. We are coming out of two bad weather years, 2023 and 2024, marked by extreme drought that prevented asparagus spears from developing properly. Now we’re finally facing a normal harvest,” says Nicolás Chica from Agroláchar.
“Fortunately, in 2024 we had a rainy autumn and a cold winter, which were very beneficial. Although we started a bit late due to the rains in March, we are now at the optimal point for harvesting,” he adds.
Although climate is often the green asparagus’ worst enemy, it’s currently working in its favor. “Here in Granada, minimum temperatures are around 10–11°C and maximums reach 22°C, which is very good for asparagus because it allows us to harvest spears of extraordinary quality just as volumes are increasing,” Nicolás explains.
“We are maintaining excellent production, which is recognized by all the markets where we export our asparagus,” he emphasizes. “In fact, 72% of the green asparagus grown in Granada is consumed by clients in Central Europe and Nordic countries, who eagerly await the start of our campaign each year.”
“However, even though this season is better in terms of production, one thing is missing, and it applies to all agricultural sectors: labor,” Nicolás notes. “There’s a lack of workers for agricultural tasks and harvesting. During the three-month campaign from March to June, we need staff every day to carry out harvesting and post-harvest handling for marketing. This labor shortage is growing, and I know companies are trying to find ways to mechanize the harvest to reduce reliance on labor.”
“Still, the good news is that prices have been favorable so far. For us, Easter and the days leading up to it are a great time because demand for green asparagus is very high, and we are already in a strong price period. By the end of the season, prices will drop, but we hope the weather conditions remain good enough to extend the season as long as possible, maintain excellent product quality, and sell as much as we can.”
For more information:
Agroláchar S.C.A.
Adresse Av. Andalucía, s/n
18327, Láchar, Grenade (Espagne)
Tél. : +34 692 043 375
comercial@agrolachar.com
https://agrolachar.com/
“Beware of confusing cultivated asparagus with what is called ‘wild asparagus’!” by FreshPlaza
A new health warning has been issued by the French health authority Anses (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire), which reports several cases of poisoning following the consumption of what is commonly known as “wild asparagus” — in fact, a different plant altogether. Over the last 10 years, poison control centers have recorded 48 such cases. Lab analysis of wild asparagus samples revealed “numerous calcium oxalate raphides, microscopic crystals known for their irritating effect,” explains Anses, adding that “during the same meal, some consumers were affected while others were not, suggesting individual sensitivity.”
This perennial plant, known as Ornithogalum pyrenaicum (Pyrenean Star of Bethlehem), actually has very little to do with cultivated asparagus, apart from its light green, spear-like flower stem — a slight resemblance that unfortunately leads to frequent confusion.
Crédit photo – Dreamstime – Below: cultivated green asparagus. Above: Ornithogalum pyrenaicum (wild).
“Since the news articles began mentioning these poisoning cases, some growers have expressed concerns about confusion between the two species. I’ve even witnessed it myself — acquaintances told me they’ve stopped buying asparagus out of caution. But these two plants are completely unrelated. It’s crucial to communicate on this subject to prevent the industry from suffering because of this serious misunderstanding. Unfortunately, even the media is contributing to the confusion, with some outlets illustrating their articles using photos of cooked green asparagus,” explains a sector professional.
Could Michigan’s asparagus growing benefit from tariffs? by FreshPlaza
Could Michigan’s asparagus growing benefit from tariffs?
Asparagus is the first commercial crop in Michigan annually.
The asparagus growing in Michigan–the top asparagus-growing state in the U.S.– benefits largely from its proximity to Lake Michigan. “Most of the asparagus is grown in the Western part of the state, and asparagus likes sandy, loam soil,” she says, adding that there is a bit grown in southern Michigan as well. In fact, production starts in southwest Michigan. “With the lake, the climate lends to natural irrigation/rain. That’s the difference between us and imported asparagus. Other countries grow in more of a desert-like condition where they provide irrigation and in some areas grow a crop twice a year. Here, asparagus is the first commercial crop of the season.”
Typically, the crop runs approximately six to eight weeks out of the state.
How Michigan harvests
While Michigan only produces asparagus in the spring (the state still hand-snaps its product at its natural breaking point rather than having farm workers walk fields and cut down asparagus), imports stretch the season to year-round supply now. In turn, Taylor says that pressures pricing on Michigan’s season. “That means when we’re able to ship, the price isn’t necessarily where we’d like it to be,” says Taylor.
Michigan still hand-snaps its product at its natural breaking point rather than having farm workers walk fields and cut down asparagus.
So, does that mean Michigan will benefit from the recently announced tariffs from the U.S. administration on asparagus-growing countries such as Peru?
“It will be a wait and see. If asparagus outside of the domestic season is more than they’re used to paying, will they back away from buying it all year long?” asks Taylor, adding that Michigan growers encourage domestic buyers to freeze and can Michigan’s spring production. “It’s a big deal to us because there are not that many growers that just grow asparagus in the state. Typically, growers grow asparagus and are fruit tree growers. Their income from the asparagus crop sets them up for the rest of the year. That’s why pricing and movement is so important to our growers because that money gets invested right back into more produce output from Michigan.”
For more information:
Trish Taylor
Riveridge Produce
Tel: +1 (616) 887-6873
trish.taylor@riveridge.com
2026 Asparagus Claws Catalog at Angiers International
Danielle Chambaraud, Asperges du Blayais – Des volumes d’asperges qui peinent à arriver par FreshPlaza
« Les prix sont rémunérateurs mais commencent cette semaine à chuter »
De gros calibres qui commencent à arriver
Malgré les risques qu’un démarrage tardif comporte et une année une fois de plus « particulière », les volumes devraient être présents pour Pâques, temps fort de la campagne : « Le problème lorsque la campagne peine à démarrer, c’est que l’on risque de se retrouver subitement avec de gros volumes sur le marché. Néanmoins, Pâques étant dans une vingtaine de jours, nous devrions avoir les volumes nécessaires pour approvisionner nos clients, que nous sommes aujourd’hui obliger de restreindre. Quant à la qualité, elle est belle, mais les calibres jusqu’à présent étaient plutôt fins. On commence à voir désormais les gros calibres arriver ».
80T d’asperges attendues pour cette saison
Bien qu’un démarrage tardif puisse engendrer un décalage de la saison et donc une fin de campagne également plus tardive, la date de clôture de la campagne sera comme chaque année dictée par l’état du marché : « Nous sommes encore sur une année particulière. On se dit qu’en démarrant plus tardivement, on ira plus loin dans le temps, mais c’est comme toujours le commerce qui le déterminera. S’il y a encore de la demande, on pourra pousser la saison jusqu’à début juin, sinon, nous serons contraints de nous arrêter avant. L’asperge est souvent chassée par l’arrivée des produits estivaux comme le melon, mais on peut espérer qu’avec un démarrage plus tardif, le consommateur ait envie d’en profiter plus longtemps. Nous en attendons cette année 80T. Nous pensions en effet qu’après une petite récolte l’an passé (65T), les aspergeraies seraient plus productives cette année, mais pour le moment ce n’est pas le cas. A voir comment la saison évolue ».
Face à des volumes encore limités, les prix sont eux relativement intéressants : « Bien que l’on sente une baisse des prix cette semaine, c’est sûr qu’en ce moment, l’asperge est plutôt rémunératrice. Nous bénéficions d’une bonne demande et l’on sent vraiment que les clients sont impatients de retrouver les asperges ».
Pour plus d’informations :
Danielle Chambaraud
Association IGP Asperges du Blayais
Danielle.chambaraud@asperges-blandine.fr
