Drought conditions in Spain are reducing crop yields and leading water authorities to draw up emergency strategies.

In some parts of Andalucia and Valencia grape yields have been reduced by between 25 and 70 per cent as the effects of drought and hail take their toll on crops.

Now salads growers are warning that the drought could have an impact on tomato production in Murcia. Scarcity is such that many growers will be reducing their plantings this month, which is likely to reduce the overall Spanish crop, slightly.

Water and environment agencies in Spain said that rainfall so far this year is at record breaking lows and although precipitation is forecast for the autumn, it is likely to be lower in volume than in average years. The environment ministry is preparing for a six-year drought as, on average, over the past 60 years that is how long droughts have lasted in Spain.

There is even discussion at ministerial level of bringing water to coastal areas via sea-going tankers if necessary. It is the Segura area that is suffering most, with reservoir levels at just 12 per cent of capacity.

In parts of south-eastern Spain growers have access to underwater aquifers although bringing the necessary supplies to the surface can be costly.

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