The regional government of Valencia has asked for persimmons and pomegranates to be including in the list of products receiving compensation from the European Union for the Russian veto.
Following a meeting with producers and representatives from the Kaki Ribera el Xúquer denomination of origin, the regional secretary for agriculture and rural development, Francisco Rodriguez Mulero, said concerns were running high ahead of the start of the new kaki campaign in September that the sector could once again run up serious losses this season.
“Although the EU considers the persimmon a minority fruit, it also requires a solution,” he said. “The sector estimates that the closure of the Russian market caused losses of €30m last season.”
Francisco Rodriguez Mulero, added that the Generalitat would continue to support industry efforts to open up new markets via funding and participation in leading trade shows.
He highlighted the importance of persimmon cultivation to the region, generating employment for approximately 10,000 families and driving economic development in many municipalities.
