The persistent rainfall in most of Valencia in March has hit onion cultivation hard. The excessive rainfall and the lack of effective products to combat the mildew fungus have caused a loss of more than 80% of the onion harvest, which translates into economic losses of 7.5 million euros in the region of l'Horta alone, according to the Valencian Association of Farmers (AVA-ASAJA).
"This is a disaster. Apart from two or three plots in L'Horta, the rest will be plowed without having harvested a single onion," stated Vicente Sebastià of Ava-Asaja.
© Ava-Asaja
The rains aren't the only cause for these losses, as producers lack active substances to control Downy mildew, a fungus that especially affects this crop. As a result of the ban on effective products, such as mancozeb, producers have to spray more often, which has led to additional costs of around 1.5 million euros. "The pesticides no longer work. They have banned the effective ones. Many growers are even considering not growing onions anymore," stated Sebastià.
Although the European Court of Justice has approved the appeal procedure for mancozeb, there is still no official authorization for its use. That's why Ava-Asaja calls on the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture to authorize mancozeb and other proven effective pesticides. "It makes no sense to make laws against food waste and at the same time ban phytosanitary solutions against diseases that cause food waste," Sebastià added.
The rains have been beneficial for potatoes, artichokes, and other vegetables. However, they could harm these crops if temperatures rise drastically in the coming days. In the citrus sector, the impact is limited to a few varieties of oranges and mandarins already ripe for harvest. The rain saves irrigation costs, but there are concerns about possible damage due to excessive humidity during flowering. Livestock and rain-fed crops also receive water with optimism, especially after the harsh drought that affected the sector a year ago.
For more information:
AVA-ASAJA
Email: info@avaasaja.org
www.avaasaja.org