<p>The Councillor of Agriculture and Water, Antonio Cerdá, defended the development of new varieties to increase the almond sector's profitability and competitiveness at the opening act of the 6th International Almond and Pistachio Symposium, organised by the Centre of Pedology and Applied Biology of Segura (CEBAS) and the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS).</p> <p>Around a hundred researchers from Algeria, Australia, Denmark, Egypt, Spain, United States, France, Iran, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey took part in the symposium, which analysed these crops' current situation and the adaptation of new varieties in the Mediterranean.</p> <p>Cerdá explained that, although the Region of Murcia is "mainly known for its irrigated crops, we have a considerable acreage for almond trees," with over 70,000 hectares and an annual production of 8,000 tonnes, which represents 15% of Spain's total.</p> <p>He stated that almond trees "play a key role in the prevention of soil erosion and the maintenance of the rural environment." Cerdá stressed that, "research focuses in obtaining new varieties adapted to the dry conditions of many Mediterranean regions." The Councillor also assured that another objective is to obtain "a better profitability and quality so that growers can receive better prices in the market."</p> <p>Around a hundred projects on genetic and biological improvement of almond and pistachio crops have been developed, as well as on pests and illnesses affecting production, technology applied to the fruit and economic aspects of both crops.</p>