Devastating Floods in Spain Decimate Citrus and Persimmon Orchards

On Oct. 29 and 30, the eastern and southern parts of Spain were hit by one of the most devastating storms in decades. A weather phenomenon known as “depresión aislada en niveles altos,” which translates as “isolated depression at high levels,” triggered heavy rains, with a year’s worth of rainfall arriving in just eight hours. These downpours led to the death of over 220 people and flooded numerous roads and large areas of farmland, wreaking havoc on the country’s infrastructure and agriculture.

Spain is one of Europe’s largest exporters of fruit and vegetables as well as the world’s biggest exporter of citrus. Valencia, located on the east coast, and Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost region, grow the majority of the country’s fresh produce, including two-thirds of its citrus crop.

The Valencian Agricultural Producers’ Association (AVA-ASAJA) stated that it anticipates significant damage to the region’s crops and operations, with citrus, persimmons, vegetables and avocados being among the most affected. The exact scope of devastation is currently unknown because many farmers continue to lack access to their farmland.

Nevertheless, according to an initial estimate published by AVA-ASAJA on Nov. 7, the overall damage to Valencia’s agricultural sector may exceed 1.089 billion euros. This includes 278 million euros of damage to crops, with citrus accounting for 192 million euros, persimmons for 54 million euros, vegetables for 24.8 million euros and avocados for 7.2 million euros. Many of these crops were in the middle of their harvest seasons, particularly early varieties of mandarins and persimmons.

The estimated damage to agricultural infrastructure is even more substantial, reaching 486 million euros. These losses pertain mainly to rural roads, irrigation facilities and greenhouses.

The total area of crops under harvest or about to be harvested that were damaged is estimated to be 21,137 hectares, with citrus and persimmon orchards accounting for 75% and 16%, respectively.

Industry insiders predict a fresh produce deficit in Spain in the coming months that is likely to affect both the domestic market and export markets. Furthermore, AVA-ASAJA warns that the floods may have an impact on not only this year’s crop but also those of future seasons, as many of the flooded trees and other plants will not survive the damage.

Spain has long been exporting citrus fruit to China, while Spanish persimmons gained China market access last year.

Image: AVA-ASAJA

This article was based on a Chinese article. Read the original article.