1 500 ha (3 700 acres) of kaki and citrus fruits destroyed by hail in Valencia, Spain
Recent heavy rains accompanied by hail destroyed about 1 500 ha (3 700 acres) of kaki and citrus fruits in Valencia, Spain, as reported by the Valencia Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA).
Image credit: AVA-ASAJA
Recent heavy rains accompanied by hail destroyed about 1 500 ha (3 700 acres) of crops, especially kaki and citrus fruits.
Picassent and Benifaio are the most affected municipalities. The hail affected an 8 km (4.9 miles) distance from Benifaio-Alfarp road to Picassent-Montserrat road.
The heavy rainfall also led to landslides and floods in deep areas or close to ravines.
AVA-ASAJA estimated a loss of 30 – 100% of the kakis as they have sensitive skin which made the crop full of bruises, making it unusable for selling.
“Losing our entire crop to a hail storm after working all year, looking after the trees, and dealing with pests is quite unfortunate. Especially in a season in which prices can be interesting due to the overall drop in production,” the affected farmers stated.
The agricultural sectors are asking the government to adopt appropriate measures to alleviate the losses suffered.
Valencia is one of the world’s most significant regions for citrus production, particularly oranges and mandarins. The citrus cultivation area in the region is around 140 000 to 150 000 ha (346 000 to 370 600 acres). This makes up a large proportion of Spain’s overall citrus production, as Spain is the largest citrus exporter in Europe.
Valencia is also one of the major regions for kaki (persimmon) production in Spain. Specifically, the variety Rojo Brillante, which is dominant in the area.
In recent years, the annual production of kaki in Valencia has reached around 400 000 to 450 000 tons, making it the leading region in Spain for kaki cultivation. The kaki production area in Valencia spans approximately 16 000 to 17 000 ha (39 500 to 42 000 acres).
1 The rains are positive but the hail damages 1,500 hectares of persimmons and citrus fruits at the beginning of the campaign – AVA-ASAJA – October 17, 2024
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When fruits/citrus has this happen to them, via bad weather, there is NO REASON when these fruits cannot be turned into JUICE, to be sold. And I’m sure turned in to other things, as well/other uses.
Throwing away FOOD is a SIN!