The Association of Valencian Growers (AVA-Asaja) has estimated at 61 million Euro the losses caused by hailstorms on citrus plantations and vineyards of Utiel-Requena, la Ribera and la Marina. In Marina Alta, which suffered the most damages, according to the association, around 10,000 hectares have been affected and losses have been estimated at 40 million Euro.
Citrus plantations have received the most damage, particularly the later varieties and the early ones for the next season, but also other crops, such as kakis, almonds or olives.
In La Ribera, losses amount to 11 million Euro, according to AVA's estimations, which correspond to citrus, kakis and vegetables, while in the region of Utiel-Requena, grapes have been the most affected crop, with damages estimated at around 10 million Euro.
In La Marina, losses are mostly of citrus in the municipalities of Xàbia and Gata de Gorgos. In Xàbia, some batches ready to be harvested have been completely destroyed, and this is also the case in Beniarbeig, Benidoleig and Pedreguer, while in Pego, Denia and Sanet i Negrals, the extent of the damage has been variable.
In Novelda, 25% of the table grape acreage presents severe damages, and in another 25% of the land, 40 to 80% of the fruit has been affected, according to Asaja Alicante.
In la Vega Baja, the lands affected are again mostly citrus plantations which, just like in the case of cherries, had already received damages earlier in the season.
COAG has asked the national and regional Governments for tax reductions, soft loans for growers in the most affected areas and extensions in the repayment of loans to young growers.
Source: Lasprovincias