A week after devastating floods struck Spain—described by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as "the worst storm of the century"—concerns among French operators are mounting. The disaster claimed over 200 lives and ravaged thousands of hectares of crops, leaving the supply chain strained and initial issues with deliveries already apparent.
Losses from Dana Estimated at €1.89 Billion
In a press release issued yesterday, the Valencian agricultural organization AVA-ASAJA estimated that the farming sector in the Valencia region had sustained losses totaling €1.89 billion. "The damage is catastrophic," it stated. Losses projected for crops awaiting harvest amount to €278 million, with citrus fruits (€192 million), persimmons (€54 million), vegetables (€24.8 million), and avocados (€7.2 million) hardest hit. Many of these crops were mid-harvest, including the first varieties of mandarins and persimmons.
Agricultural infrastructure damage is even more severe, with estimated losses of €486 million. This includes €260 million for rural roads, €120 million for irrigation infrastructure (ponds, water mains, irrigation wells, etc.), €15 million for greenhouses, €54 million for plots with localized irrigation, €25 million for rural buildings, and €12 million for walls, fences, and enclosures. Additionally, the cost of replanting due to root asphyxiation is pegged at €85.5 million, while plots swept away by flooding will require treatment and replanting for €59.4 million. Damage to agricultural machinery and vehicles amounts to €10 million, while livestock facilities face losses exceeding €20.5 million.
Affected Crop Areas
DANA affected a total of 21,137 hectares of crops awaiting harvest: 15,908 hectares of citrus fruits, 3,327 hectares of persimmons, 1,149 hectares of vegetables, 603 hectares of ornamental plants and nurseries, and 150 hectares of avocados. Most dryland crops, including cereals, wine grapes, almonds, carob, and olive trees, had already been harvested. Among irrigated crops, fruit trees, summer vegetables, and rice were harvested, although flooding and the movement of goods pose risks to the La Albufera nature park.
AVA-ASAJA further noted that many plots remain completely submerged. Beyond crop losses, tree crops could suffer from root asphyxiation, necessitating uprooting. Flooded vegetable plots face total losses, and access to damaged farm roads means some produce awaiting harvest will not reach the market.
"Fruit Has Arrived Rotten"
"Some fields are still inaccessible, and even if they were, the fruit must dry on the tree first," said an operator based in Perpignan. "It's impossible to pick waterlogged fruit because once packaged, it develops a latent issue known as the water stain, causing it to rot during transport." The outcome? French operators are relying on existing stocks, but arrivals are dwindling and the quality is poor, with heavily damaged citrus among the affected produce.
"Spanish growers will be monitoring prices closely over the coming weeks," the operator added, referring to goods sold outside of pre-arranged programs. Producers are likely to raise their prices, leading to higher costs for wholesalers and, subsequently, end customers. Distributors are expected to seek alternative sources, particularly Portuguese, Moroccan, and Italian citrus, which will likely see price increases as well.
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