<p></p><p>In recent years, the Spanish almond sector has been booming, as evidenced by the millions of seedlings sold and the long waiting list to obtain material for new plantations. The main nurseries are already handling orders for 2017. New plantations are emerging in Catalonia, Aragon, Andalusia and Castile-La Mancha, among other regions, both in traditional areas for the crop's cultivation as well as in new areas, displacing other fruits, like citrus, in Vega del Guadalquivir, in Seville. <br></p> <p>The key to this has been the high prices reached (up to 9 €/kilo), result of an imbalance between supply and demand worldwide which will likely continue in the medium term. This situation has been accompanied by the availability of irrigated areas for cultivation, which significantly increases yields, and the introduction of new, more productive plant material adapted to cooler climates. <br></p> <p>Other advantages of the crop which have also contributed to its development are its versatility in terms of supply for irrigation, the possibilities for mechanisation and its long shelf-life, which makes the marketing easier and more flexible. When planning new plantations, varieties are selected for their late flowering, self-fertility, high production capacity, fruit quality, strength, ease of formation and tolerance to frost, drought, pests, diseases and other adverse conditions. <br></p> <p>In the province of Malaga, especially in the region of Antequera, Cartaojal and Bobadilla stand out as growing areas, with the former playing a very important role, as it has a plot for the testing of new varieties.<br></p><p></p>