1057.6%, 107.4% and 50.1%. This is exactly the growth observed in Spain between 2011 and 2020 in pistachio, soybean and avocado crops. The fruits that have become the most popular in the country over the past decade are spreading throughout the country thanks to the growing healthy eating trend internationally and especially in Europe.

As stated in the “Cocampo Report on the Evolution of Crops in Spain 2023”, pistachios, soybeans and avocados were the fruits of the above-mentioned period, since they were the ones that increased their surface area the most, which explains their status as “superfoods”, “in line with healthy trends.” consumption.”

The case of pistachio, most notable with an increase of over 1000%, is based on its condition as a dry crop and its economic viability. Although the initial investment required to grow pistachios is high due to the price of the plant, the tree has low water requirements, which is in line with the global trend towards sustainability.

Agricultural practices are moving towards increasingly environmentally friendly practices, facilitating the development and expansion of crops that adhere to these principles. An example of this is the inclusion in the new CAP of eco-regimes – voluntary environmental practices that provide additional rewards to the farm owner.

“Spanish farmers have responded to climate change by adapting their crops and practices to new climate conditions, allowing them to expand production of certain types of crops that are more resilient or suited to changing conditions,” the report notes.

“Boom” of soy and avocado

The spread of soybeans and avocados in Spain is due to various reasons. While avocado has grown from an alternative crop to one of the major industries in rural Spain due to its high demand due to the recognition of its nutritional properties; Soybeans have gained relevance due to their use in the feed industry and oil production.

According to the Government of Andalusia report “Highlights of the Avocado Campaign 21/22”, per capita consumption of avocados in Spain increased by 106% between 2017 and 2021. In addition, the OECD and FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021-2030 report predicts that avocado will be the best-selling tropical fruit in 2030, so its development in the Spanish countryside will continue despite the so-called “green gold”. its production requires a significant amount of water.

Avocado is no longer considered an exotic crop in Spain, as its consumption has increased by more than 1000% over the past decade, averaging 1.5 kg per person per year.

Unlike tropical fruits, interest in soybean planting is justified by increased demand for plant proteins to produce feed and other industrial products such as plant-based milk or sauces for human consumption, Cocampo’s paper points out.

“Soybeans have become a substitute for animal products for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Given the variety of benefits it offers, soybeans are being proposed as an alternative crop for farmers. This crop requires less water compared to beets or potatoes,”

The area of ​​this crop is 1450 hectares, of which 98.2% is irrigated and 1.8% is rainfed. According to available data, over the last decade (2011-2020), the area allocated for soybean cultivation has increased sharply: by 107.4%, reaching 751 hectares. If you look at the last five years, the increase was 45.7% (+455 hectares) with an increase in irrigation (47.4%) to the detriment of rain-fed lands (-10.3%).

Cocampo emphasizes that Spain is one of the main producers of organic products by area in the European Union and in the world, with 23.9 million hectares dedicated to organic production, representing 10.8% of the agricultural area used (SAU).

“The growing preference for organic, natural, locally produced products has had a positive impact on the development of this type of crop in Spain,” Cocampo’s report concludes.