The Terra Verde Association, based in the Azores, is currently assessing the drought's impact on agricultural output, with some crops experiencing losses up to 70%, according to the organization's president, Manuel Ledo. Terra Verde initiated an evaluation earlier this week to quantify the damage for submission to the Regional Government, highlighting the absence of agricultural insurance in the region.
Ledo pointed out the significant damage to a variety of crops including sweet potato, potato, cabbage, watermelon, cantaloupe melon, pepper, pumpkin, hemp, and sweetcorn. He noted that the damage was mitigated for some crops already advanced in their growth cycle.
Ledo emphasized the exacerbation of this year's drought due to the lack of an agricultural irrigation system, with water supply primarily sourced from the municipal public network, resulting in considerable financial losses. The association is advocating for the Regional Institute for Agrarian Planning (IROA) to facilitate water distribution for both livestock and agriculture, suggesting the utilization of water from streams for agricultural purposes.
The Azores, historically known for abundant rainfall, have recently faced unusual drought conditions, prompting a yellow weather warning due to high temperatures. Additionally, the Federation of Firefighters of the Autonomous Region of the Azores has issued warnings to residents to prevent rural fires, uncommon in the region. Terra Verde, established in 2012, focuses on representing and defending the interests of agricultural producers in the Azores.
Source: Portugal Resident