Each passing day with no rain results in the problems caused by droughts in different parts of Spain becoming more severe, to the point that Murcia's Councillor of Agriculture and Water, Antonio Cerdá, admitted that the situation for rain fed crops is "extremely harsh" after meeting with producers, cooperatives and agricultural organisations. For its part, UPA requested the enforcement of urgent measures, with budget support, while ASAJA Alicante reported that, in some areas, as much as 90% of the crops have been lost, especially nuts, cereals and olives.
Although the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Isabel García Tejerina, admitted that droughts are an issue, Murcia's Councillor has been a lot clearer in stating that the lack of rain in recent months is an "exceptionally serious situation, as it is the driest year since 1941."
Cerdá explained that "the situation of almond trees has worsened in April, as there has been no significant rainfall," noting that "we will have to wait until June, when the chance for rainfall is even smaller, to finalise the definite report."
Source: Efe