Massive abandonment of mainly citrus plantations in the Valencia region is providing fuel for forest fires, the regional producers’ association warns.
Cristóbal Aguado, president of the Ava-Asaja association, said: “Growers and our fields have always been among the best allies in the fight against forest fire. But it is extremely difficult to keep our plantations clear and clean if we cannot even cover the costs of growing our products.”
A lot of fruit and vine acreage inland in the eastern Spanish region and citrus, vegetable and salad acreage in coastal areas has traditionally provided a natural barrier against fire. But since producers have been abandoning production in their droves, overgrowth and shrubbery - two of the most combustible forms of vegetation - have taken hold.
In a 48-hour period at the end of last week, dozens of small but fast-growing fires scorched more surface area than in the last seven months. Dry and windy conditions have contributed to the frequency and spread of fire. However, so too has agricultural machinery. Combine harvesters cutting very close to the ground increase the risk of hitting stones and causing a spark.
Data collated by Ava-Asaja shows that of 5,000 hectares burned in the Lerida area, some 2,269ha were given over to agriculture and livestock. Aguado said: “There is little point spending so much money to fight fire if we allow the rural and forest environments to get so out of control.”
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