Spanish fresh produce association Ava-Asaja has estimatedthat recent heavy rains in Valencia could have damaged up to 50,000ha worth ofcitrus and persimmon production.
The Valencia-based organisation said that the rainfall thatwas registered in the Spanish region during last weekend (26-27 September), aswell as over recent weeks had caused “serious damage” in Valencia’s two keyfruit crops.
Ava-Asaja said that although the rains were initiallybeneficial, having improved clementine sizing, the weather had led to problemswith fungus that has affected both the trees and the fruit in the region.
The group said that the province of La Ribera, where some30,000ha of citrus, persimmon and vegetables are grown, was expected to record thegreatest crop losses in Valencia as a result of the rains.
