The dry spell across much of Andalusia and related regions is triggering alarms across farming communities far beyond the fields themselves. In the Valencian Community, where irrigated crops dominate and water reserves are relatively healthier for now, farmers are feeling the pressures. Reports from Asaja indicate that Almería has already abandoned planting 2,500 hectares of watermelons to avoid the risk of dehydration. This has nudged growers in Valencia to expand their cultivation of this summer staple in recent weeks, a trend seen in growing areas like Riverside, l’Horta, and Baix Maestrat, as highlighted by AVA-Asaja and Llauradora reports.
The drought’s toll goes beyond rain-fed crops such as olive groves, almonds, and vineyards, impacting pastures and livestock as well. In southern Spain, the water deficit is on track to bring serious consequences for Mediterranean agriculture. Carles Peris, Secretary General of Unió Llauradora, stresses the severity. With 62% of the Xúquer basin’s capacity available, Valencian farmers do not face as dire a situation as those reliant on the Segura River, where reservoirs have fallen to 36% and water transfers from the Tagus may be interrupted. This situation compounds challenges for producers in the country’s southern regions, including Alicante.
AVA-Asaja notes rising energy and labor costs as a factor in farming operations. Within citrus, late spring heat has pushed irrigation needs higher, and water use alongside electricity bills has surged. Farmers report electricity costs rising to three to four times their levels from the previous year due to higher power prices and government policies limiting gas usage. Christopher Aguado points out that even with ongoing irrigation across the citrus, stone fruit such as nectarines, peaches, apricots, and medlar, growers remain vigilant about costs while continuing to water their gardens.
In the Valencia Community there are more water reserves now than in some other Spanish regions, which helps secure water for the campaign. Yet AVA-Asaja warns that the very uneven rainfall in recent months is already leaving a negative mark on Valencian agriculture and livestock, underscoring the fragility of the regional balance.
Citrus blooming and size
For citrus crops amid a particularly dry spring, irrigating more frequently has become common, driving operating costs higher. Some farmers report energy bills three times higher than a year ago. Yet the orange and mandarin bloom remains robust this month, a critical window for fruit set. As a result, production is expected to rise from last season, which suffered heavily due to heavy rains. The general secretary of Unió notes that if rainfall does not arrive soon, calibers may shrink as a result of delayed or disrupted fruit development.
Similarly, AVA-Asaja acknowledges the uncertain outlook for the 2023/2024 campaign, driven by the prolonged dry period. They warn that aquifers are declining, which could threaten irrigation communities and the reliability of water supplies for citrus crops and other fruit sectors.
Effect on vegetables
Producers of vegetables in the Valencian Community are watching closely. While most growing areas are irrigated, persistent heat and looming water scarcity could still threaten supplies. Artichoke campaigns, already nearing completion, have shown smaller yields and tighter sizes since March as temperatures continue to climb.
In the field, a cabbage crop in L’Horta Nord stands as a snapshot of regional farming, illustrating the broader pressures felt by growers who depend on predictable water access and stable weather patterns.
Cereals and nuts
Dry soil has brought cereals into a fragile phase, with many plots finishing their vegetative cycles. Even if rain arrives later, harvest yields may be limited. Vines show reduced sap flow, which can translate into lower production in the next harvest. Almond trees face the risk of fruit shedding and potential dieback in some inland areas, while olives already damaged by the prior year’s climatic stress face continued declines in harvest prospects.
Following the drought meeting held last Wednesday, unions and agricultural bodies voiced frustration over a lack of concrete proposals to ease drought damage. They estimate production losses around four billion euros on average across Spain, not counting olives and vineyards. While still early for definitive predictions, the situation remains severe for many sectors.
Cooperatives emphasize financial pressures as prices rise without proportional gains. Leading figures from Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias de España warn that drought will curb supply in several productions by as much as half, while costs rise. They urge the government to provide immediate financial relief, tax exemptions tied to water availability for rural landowners, reductions in personal income tax for agricultural activity, and targeted fiscal incentives. They also advocate liquidity support of up to 100% and temporary measures such as a 20-cent diesel subsidy for agricultural use and fertilizer support. The cooperative network serves 374 cooperatives, 193,948 members, and nearly 20,000 workers with substantial annual turnover; they urge quick policy action to stabilize the sector in Valencia and beyond.
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