Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 1
Written by Haluk Çağlar KAYMAK, Adem AKSOY

Tomato production within the European Union (EU-27) is a vital component of the agricultural sector, providing significant economic and nutritional value. This study examines the trends in tomato production and the impact of agricultural input prices across key EU countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Greece, the Netherlands, and France from 2015 to 2022. The research investigates the influence of climate change, fluctuations in input costs, and shifts in production conditions on tomato production levels. Climate change, characterized by increased frequency of extreme weather events such as high temperatures and prolonged droughts, poses a substantial challenge to tomato cultivation, affecting yield and quality. Rising costs of essential inputs—seeds, fertilizers, plant protection products, and fuel—further exacerbate production challenges. Specifically, fertilizer prices have surged significantly, particularly after 2020, due to global economic factors including trade wars and supply chain disruptions. The study employs data from the Eurostat database and various scientific sources to analyze production trends and price indices, using graphical and regression analyses to assess the impact of these factors. Results indicate a 9.2% decline in overall EU tomato production from 2015 to 2023, with notable reductions in Greece, the Netherlands, and Spain. Despite these declines, some countries, such as Italy and Portugal, have increased their production shares, reflecting a shift towards more efficient agricultural practices. Findings suggest that while higher tomato prices can incentivize increased production, rising input costs significantly impact profitability. The analysis underscores the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices and supportive policies to mitigate cost pressures and enhance production efficiency. Future strategies should focus on investing in innovative technologies and adaptive practices to ensure the resilience and sustainability of tomato production in the EU.

[Read full article] [Citation]