Early stonefruit and almonds look to have been among the casualties of a new front of low temperatures, frosts and snows that have hit Spain’s region of Murcia in recent days.
According to reports, between 80 and 100 per cent of early and extra early stonefruit in the northeast of the region are said to have been damaged by the cold weather, particularly those varieties that begin flowering during January and February.
Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca, from Murcia-based fresh produce association Asaja Murcia, said that several varieties of almonds had also been negatively affected, with growers reporting losses among a crop that is sensitive to low temperatures during its development.
He said: “The fall in temperatures in the region of Murcia has principally affected early crops the districts of Caravaca, Bullas, Cehegín and Moratalla, leading to substantial losses.”
Artichoke, broccoli and almond crops are also reported to have suffered damage, although to a lesser extent, in the southern Murcian province of Cartagena.
