According to an initial emergency estimate by the Valencian Farmers' Association (AVA-ASAJA), the hailstorm on April 22 caused damage of varying magnitude, affecting a total of 8,500 hectares in the districts of Ribera Alta, l'Horta Sud, and Hoya de Buñol. 2,400 hectares were significantly affected, causing initial losses of about 3 million euros. The storm affected stone fruit crops the most, with losses of up to 100% of the harvest. However, it also affected citrus, persimmon, grape, avocado, and almond crops.
© AVA-ASAJA
© AVA-ASAJA
The most affected municipalities were Montroi, Real, Alfarp, and Llombai, with losses of up to 100%. There was also significant damage in Picassent and Turís, and to a lesser extent in Alginet, Catadau, Montserrat, Godelleta, Carlet, and Alborache. The hailstorm especially affected plum, nectarine, and peach crops (whose extra-early varieties were beginning to be harvested), citrus crops (which are in full flowering and fruit set phase), kaki (which are beginning to sprout), avocados, almonds, and grapes. Associates from the most affected areas warned that "in some stone fruit fields the campaign is over." According to producers in Marquesat, the hail wasn't "very big, but it was abundant, so significant damage is expected." AVA-ASAJA stressed that, even though the storm broke tree branches, it's still too early to calculate the economic losses due to the phenological state of the trees, especially in citrus and kaki.
AVA-ASAJA has asked Agroseguro to expedite the appraisals of the plots affected by the hail so that farmers receive the corresponding compensation as soon as possible. The agricultural organization is also asking the authorities for tax measures and direct aid for producers in the affected areas who have still not taken out insurance because the period to do so each year is still open.
For more information:
AVA-ASAJA
[email protected]
www.avaasaja.org
