The absence of rain in much of Andalusia’s territory sets off all alarms in the primary sector, which is much more than in the primary sector. Valencian Community, where the area of irrigated crops is greater and there are water reserves, at least for now. According to a report from Asajaoutdoor manufacturers Almería has long given up planting 2,500 hectares of watermelons due to thirst. This warrants irrigation, a situation enjoyed by Valencian farmers who have increased their planting of this typical summer fruit in recent weeks. melonin regions such as Riverside, l’Horta And Baix Maestratthese newspaper resources AVA-Asaj And joined Llauradora.
Beyond the severe impact of water deficiency on rain-fed crops (olive grove, almond trees And vineyards) and pastures for livestock, effect drought in the crops In some areas of southern Spain, this is just one of the consequences of a water deficit that “could have serious consequences for Mediterranean agriculture”. Carles Peris, Secretary General of Unió Llauradora. With 62% of the capacity of the Xúquer basin, Valencian farmers do not see the situation as complicated as those dependent on Segura, whose reservoirs have fallen to 36% of their volume and will experience interruptions in water transfer from Tagus. This aggravates the situation of producers in the southern regions of the country. Alicante.
On the other hand, AVA-Asaj Important notes energy and labor cost overruns do breeding work. “Inside citrus, khakissummer fruits (nectarine, peaches, apricot And medlar, among others) and vegetablesFarmers have not stopped watering their gardens and are seeing their electricity bills 3-4 times more expensive than they were a year ago due to the hike in electricity and the Government’s ‘gas limit’. Christopher Aguado.
in the Community of Valencia There are more water reserves in the reservoirs compared to other Spanish regions that guaranteed water for this campaign. However, AVA-Asaja is aware that the lack of rain in recent months is already having a very negative impact on Valencian agriculture and livestock.
Citrus blooming and size
in the special case citrus In this very dry spring, there is an increase in the frequency of irrigation of the fields, which increases the operating costs. “Energy bills have skyrocketed and are three times more expensive than they were a year ago,” he complains. fairies. This blooming orange and tangerine trees This month, which is also an important period for fruit set, has been good, so a higher production is expected compared to last season, which was heavily affected by heavy rains. “The problem is, if it doesn’t rain soon possible reduction in calibers“, emphasizes the general secretary of Unió.
Similarly, resources AVA-Asaj While they regret “the great uncertainty the 2023/2024 campaign is facing due to this prolonged dry period”, they argue that citrus fruits come from a lower production and blooming season. They also warn that aquifers are descending, putting the situation at risk for some irrigation communities.
effect on vegetables
Uncertainty is also growing among manufacturers of some manufacturers. Vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes or onions from the Valencian Community. “In principle, these are irrigated areas and there is no risk, even if they look up, as water resources may be depleted,” the agricultural organizations say. In addition, high temperatures also adversely affect it. artichokewhose campaign will soon be over and has reduced the harvest and size since last March. The thermometer has been recording upwards ever since.
Cereals and nuts
in dry soil, cereals aspect wheat And barley so that in many plots the vegetative cycle has already ended and even if it rains after that not a single grain will be harvested. It also highlights evolution. Vineyardwhich causes the sap to “weep” less than normal, which can result in a drop in production for the next harvest. In the case of almondIn addition to fruit shedding due to water stress, there is a fear that trees will die in some inland areas. Finally, oliveThose already damaged by the climatic adversities of the past year are at risk of experiencing further declines in harvest.
After the Drought Table held last Wednesday, the organizations affiliated to the Unions, which met with the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday, complain about the lack of proposals to alleviate the effects of the drought. very serious situationwith Production loss of around 4,000 million euros According to the average of the last five years across Spain and without counting olive grove, vineyards And other productsIt’s still too early to make predictions.
Cooperatives claim workers do not pay personal income tax
Gabriel Braidedmanaging director, Mónica Sanz, president of Insurance Group and Jesus GustranAn insurance technician from Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España said that “higher prices do not mean greater profitability and the drought we are suffering will cause a reduction in supply, in some productions this is estimated to be around 50% and an increase in the cost of a Food affects the profitability of farms, because there will be less production at the same costs.” Bringing together 374 cooperatives, 193,948 members, 19,762 workers and a turnover of just over 2,000 million Euros in the Community of Valencia, this entity thinks the Government should implement a series of financial and labor measures. requested exemption from fees and rates related to the availability of water for ranchers, rustic IBI, as well as reductions in personal income tax and special tax benefits for agricultural activities. In terms of financing, a liquidity loan application of up to 100% was introduced. Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España also informed the Government that temporary measures should be given, such as a 20 cent subsidy for diesel for agricultural use and an extension for fertilizers.