In the natural area of La Albufera in Valencia, a striking surge in flamingos is raising alarms. The extraordinary reproduction and multiplication of these birds is perceived as a threat to rice crops in the region and throughout the sector. Agricultural associations are calling on governments to act, proposing actions that include controlling the population size of the birds to protect livelihoods and the local ecosystem.
Valencian farmers have been voicing their concerns through AVA-ASAJA, which has noted that large flocks of flamingos have caused substantial damage in recent years. The situation compounds the harm already caused by other waterfowl, such as ducks, and highlights a growing challenge for farmers who rely on rice fields for income and sustenance.
José Pascual Fortea, who leads the rice sector for AVA-ASAJA, described the springtime flamingos as trampling newly planted fields. The damage is so severe that some farmers stop replanting because harvests rarely cover production costs. In a season when yields are already stressed, this damage translates into real economic losses and increased uncertainty for those who cultivate rice in the area.
Rice is in danger
“The situation is very worrying and standing by is not an option if we want to continue producing,” said Fortea. Rice, a crop that supports the livelihoods of many families and sustains the integrity of the natural park, faces an ongoing threat tied to the increasing presence of flamingos. The warning underscores the need for careful management and collaborative action among communities and authorities.
AVA-ASAJA is urging administrations to intervene with measures that bring the flamingo population down to manageable levels and, if necessary, establish compensation schemes that fully cover the damages sustained by the crop. The goal is to balance ecological balance with agricultural needs, ensuring that rice cultivation remains viable in the region.
A report from autumn 2022 noted a record bird count in the La Albufera wetland. Estimates suggested around 114,000 breeding pairs of birds were present, with substantial numbers of flamingos observed. Experts tied this surge to favorable water conditions and the expansive rice fields, while also drawing comparisons to the degradation of other natural sites such as Doñana. The potential losses to crops from the flamingo presence are a growing concern for farmers and regional authorities alike.
Officials and farmers alike warned that the ongoing presence of flamingos in La Albufera could lead to further reductions in crop yields and heightened economic strain for producers who depend on rice as a staple of the regional economy. The dialogue continues as stakeholders explore practical solutions that safeguard both the environment and agricultural productivity.