Huelva berry production and labor preparations

The Huelva region in Spain is preparing for the 2026–2027 berry and strawberry season, with cultivation spanning 15,200 hectares of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry crops. The industry anticipates an annual production of approximately 400,000 tons, a sector that accounts for 98% of Spanish production and 30% of European production. The season is expected to create 100,000 direct jobs, representing 24% of the province’s total employment.

To address labor needs, the Huelva Association of Strawberry Producers and Exporters (Freshuelva) is implementing several recruitment initiatives. Following discussions at the Fruit Attraction trade fair in Madrid with the Egyptian Embassy, a pilot project was announced to recruit 100 workers from Egypt. This process is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with the first group expected to arrive in January 2027.

Additionally, Freshuelva has completed the selection of 878 workers from Central America for the 2027 red fruit harvesting campaign. This group consists of 712 workers from Honduras and 166 from Guatemala, many of whom have prior agricultural experience. These seasonal workers will join existing teams of Spanish, EU, and Moroccan laborers for a campaign running from January through mid-June. Selected workers will receive approximately 62 euros gross per day for six and a half hour shifts, with employers providing free accommodation.

Agricultural preparations include using plants from Ávila and Segovia, which are grown at high altitudes to ensure better fruit quality. In November, crops will be covered with plastic structures to protect them from weather elements and simulate spring-like conditions to advance the harvest.