AVA-ASAJA has warned that "the persistent rainfall may end up causing serious damage to some crops in the Region of Valencia - especially citrus fruits, vegetables, stone fruits and almonds - due to the impact of excess moisture on farms, fungal diseases and the interruption of the tasks to ensure the proper development of the productions."
The agrarian organization expressed its concern because "the rains had so far been beneficial for Valencia's agriculture, after a few dry winter months, but now problems are starting to be detected with the irrigation, which could worsen both in crops that have yet to be harvested and others that are still in full bloom or in the fruit setting phase."
"As for citrus, there are mostly concerns with the mandarin and orange varieties of the second half of the season, like the late Navel, Valencia Late or Ortanique, which have yet to be harvested, as the interruption of the harvesting and the application of fungicide treatments could lead to the fruits in the lower parts of the tree being affected. There's also the risk of root asphyxia of the orange trees that remain waterlogged for too many days."
"For now, the wind gusts have already caused damage to the fruit and caused some to fall to the ground. However, since the flowering has been delayed, rot problems are only expected in certain areas, affecting only the early varieties with the most open flowers."
"Seasonal vegetables, such as onions, potatoes and lettuce, could also suffer severe fungal attacks, with consequent crop losses. As for stone fruit trees, there is much concern especially regarding the growth of flat peaches, apricots and plum trees, as they are, in many cases, at the beginning of the fruit setting phase. The appearance of fungi could lead to a reduction of future productions."
AVA-ASAJA has asked the administrations to launch a line of aid to facilitate the acquisition of fungicide products with which to minimize the damage caused by fungi. The agricultural organization is also asking the Government to improve the fiscal, labor and financing measures approved last week, as they are "totally insufficient" to alleviate the losses caused by climatic adversities and market issues in the agricultural sector.
It is also urging Agroseguro to carry out the necessary appraisals on the affected farms and to pay compensations quickly for the damages covered by agricultural insurance.
For more information:
AVA-ASAJA
Tel.: 96 380 46 06
info@avaasaja.org
www.avaasaja.org