The second day of medFEL 2023 was much calmer than the previous one, but one topic was present on everyone’s mind, raising concerns throughout the entire sector: the drought!
The availability of water resources is a concern. The subject is not new but this year more than ever, the sector remains on alert. Most of the production basins are concerned, but it is in the Pyrenees-Orientales department, home of medFEL, that the concern is particularly felt.
Already in a heightened state of alert, the prefecture of the department could soon announce additional restrictions.
“The restrictions in place since last summer mean that we are in survival mode for our crops. We are under 70% water restrictions, I don't think we can push any further,” explains Fabienne Bonet, president of the Chamber of Agriculture of the Pyrénées-Orientales department. For Bruno Vila, president of FDSEA 66, “if we stop the water, we lose everything" (Europe 1 radio).
The European predictions for peaches and nectarines will be announced on May 23rd!
