The agricultural organization has calculated that the affected agricultural area amounts to 6,584 hectares. Of these, 2,872 hectares correspond to persimmon plantations, with estimated losses of 11.49 million euros. Another 3,712 hectares of citrus fruits have damages provisionally valued at 2.85 million euros.
La Unió warns that this initial assessment is provisional and that the figures could increase as inspections are completed. In addition to persimmon and citrus crops, damage has also been detected in vegetables and some greenhouse structures due to the wind's intensity.
The persimmon crop accounts for approximately 80% of the initial economic losses. Strong winds and hail have caused fruit drop, direct blows, broken branches, and defoliation, damages that could affect the productive potential of plantations in future campaigns. In citrus fruits, hail has injured the fruits, reducing their commercial value, and the wind has caused fruit drop and structural damage.
The weather event included a day of intense westerly wind followed by a sudden change in conditions, with strong gusts, squalls, and hail. These elements have affected crops, trees, agricultural infrastructure, rural roads, irrigation systems, fences, roofs, and greenhouses.
Given the magnitude of the damages, La Unió calls on the Conselleria de Agricultura (Regional Ministry of Agriculture) for a comprehensive and urgent assessment of the affected areas, coordinated with local councils and agricultural organizations.
The organization proposes to ENESA (National Agro-environmental Insurance Entity) and Agroseguro (Agricultural Insurance) to advance the start of guarantees for climatic adversities (including wind risk) to August 1st. In the meantime, it suggests that the Ministry establish a compensatory line for farmers with active policies affected by wind. It also urges Agroseguro to expedite appraisals for the prompt receipt of compensation.
Finally, La Unió considers it necessary for the administrations to study extraordinary support measures for those farms whose productive capacity has been seriously compromised.
