The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has opened the call for citizen participation in shaping a new aid plan for cherry farms affected by climate, environmental factors, and fires. This program seeks to address the production shortfalls faced by cherry growers across the Valencian Community, where repeated climate stress, environmental challenges, and fire incidents have piled up over recent years and created a substantial economic hit for cherry production and agricultural enterprises alike.
In line with this initiative, Minister José Luis Aguirre is following through on a commitment to the sector made after his appointment, with provisions that specifically include cherry crops in the Valencian Community. The council member has noted that production has fallen sharply in recent campaigns due to adverse climate events. As a result, agricultural operations have endured significant capital losses, hindering routine maintenance, investment in improvements, and the continuity of crops. This situation threatens long-term viability and raises the risk of permanent farm abandonment.
The economic fragility of many farms complicates access to agricultural insurance, which means several cherry-growing areas lack coverage and remain exposed to ongoing risk, according to Aguirre. He also pointed out that unusually high temperatures toward the end of flowering can impair fruit set, creating a precarious balance between potential losses and reduced yields if heavy rains occur mid-harvest. Such conditions can lead to a final production that is much lower than in a normal year.
Climate change is reshaping traditional agriculture across the state, and cherry growing is a crucial part of this shift in certain areas of the Valencian Community. In Alicante province, cherry cultivation is well established in districts such as L’Alcoià, El Comtat, Marina Alta and Vinalopó, regions that have faced consecutive challenging campaigns in recent years. Beyond its role as an economic driver, cherry farming supports sustainable rural development, preserves the landscape, and helps stabilise local populations by creating jobs and income in inland communities.
The process for contributing ideas and feedback is available through the Generalitat’s participation portal, enabling relevant individuals and organizations to submit contributions within the established timeframe. The announcement appeared in the Official Gazette of the Generalitat Valenciana, signaling a structured, public-engagement approach to policy design and rural development in the region. This framework aligns with broader regional goals of resilience, diversification of farm income, and the creation of safer, more sustainable agricultural practices for small to mid-sized growers.
Experts and stakeholders are encouraged to share practical insights on how to mitigate crop risk, improve insurance access, and support farm continuity in the face of climate volatility. The initiative also seeks input on how to balance immediate aid with longer-term measures, including climate-adaptive farming techniques, water management strategies, and area-specific diversification that could reduce dependence on a single crop cycle. By collecting diverse perspectives, the program aims to craft a resilient support system that preserves the cherry sector while strengthening rural economies across the Valencian Community.
Overall, the new aid plan reflects a broader recognition that climate-related disruptions require proactive policy responses, coordinated among regional authorities, farmers, insurers, and community groups. The ultimate goal is to safeguard production capacity, ensure sustainable farm livelihoods, and maintain the cultural and economic importance of cherry cultivation for regional development and environmental stewardship, now and in the future.