The recent storm that hit Valencia has caused significant damage to one of the region’s key economic sectors: agriculture, reports El Economista.
The extreme weather has particularly devastated persimmon crops in La Ribera Alta and citrus fruits throughout the region.
In La Ribera Alta, the persimmon crop has suffered substantial losses. The Regulatory Council of DO Ribera del Xúquer persimmon projects that over 60% of the harvest will be lost due to the DANA storm, a percentage that may increase.
This impact is especially concerning given that the Valencian Community produces about 90% of Spain's persimmons, making it the leading producer in Europe.
More than half of persimmons are usually exported
Last year, Valencia produced nearly 400,000 tonnes of persimmons, with over 60% destined for export, valued at more than 140 million euros.
According to Carles Peris, secretary-general of La Unió, the persimmon crop is particularly sensitive to extreme weather.
In addition to flooding, the persimmon fields have also been battered by wind and hail, further worsening the losses. This devastation arrives during the peak harvest season, October to January, and will heavily disrupt the market supply.
Vast impact on citrus crops
Citrus fruits, Valencia’s top agricultural product in terms of economic value, are also significantly impacted.
AVA-Asaja, one of the major agricultural organizations, estimates provisional losses of around 192 million euros in citrus crops, especially in early mandarin varieties.
Although the citrus crop is widespread across the Valencian Community, which helps maintain the supply chain, approximately 10% of the region’s production, or 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes, is affected.
Beyond crop losses, the damage to infrastructure—including roads, irrigation systems, and machinery—is substantial, accounting for over half of the total estimated 1 billion euros in losses.
Consequently, agricultural groups like AVA-Asaja and La Unió are urging additional government aid to support recovery efforts.
The central government has allocated 440 million euros, with additional support from the Generalitat, which has announced 20 million euros specifically for repairs on agricultural roads.
