Recently, Spain has been struck by severe flash floods that have caused catastrophic losses for farmers across the country. Multiple areas were affected, but mostly Valencia, a city known for its beautiful tourism and prominent citrus agriculture. As a supplier in the food industry, it’s essential to stay informed about these developments, as they could have significant implications for sourcing and supply. Check our bulk catalog to find trusted ingredients for your needs.
What happened?
Last Tuesday, the Mediterranean Coast was hit with what’s known as a DANA (Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos or isolated depression at high levels). This is an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs when a mass of warm air collides with a mass of cold air at an altitude of approximately 29,500 feet. This storm is no stranger to the area but this time, there were no warnings about it and it’s what ultimately caused such havoc.
Extreme loss
Aside from the catastrophic impact of this on people, the damage in the agricultural sector is unimaginable. The intense rain left fields submerged and crops severely damaged. Many farmers are now grappling with the reality of lost harvests, which could impact the availability of key products in the coming months. The Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA) warns that thousands of hectares of citrus, persimmons, vegetables, vines, and other crops will lose their harvest this season. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said Valencia was the most affected region, receiving more than 300 l/m². On October 29/30, the Chiva municipality received 491 l/m² rain in just eight hours, the equivalent of a year’s worth of rainfall, according to AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency.
How does this affect the industry?
Spain is the number one exporter of fresh citrus fruits, supplying countries like Germany, France, the UK, and more. Although the official data on the damage is still unclear, farmers say that some areas have become unusable. This tragic incident can affect the European supply chain. Orange, peppers, and tomatoes are only some of the few fruits and vegetables that can be in short due to the severe destruction that occurred not only in Valencia but also in the surrounding regions of Almería and Andalusia. La Ribera Alta and Baixa, L’Horta, Hoya de Buñol, Utiel-Requena, Camp de Túria, and Los Serranos were the most affected zones, recording “historic accumulations of water”, according to the AVA-ASAJA. On top of this meteorological crisis, for the past year, Spain has been through one of the worst droughts in history, further affecting the agricultural sector.
A cry for help
The Spanish Kaki Association has been severely impacted after this event since the cultivation of kaki or persimmon has been hit the hardest, leaving over 70% loss of the crop. They have urged authorities to implement measures that support those affected.
“We request direct aid, tax relief, and a specific recovery plan for kaki producers, a crop that has become an economic and cultural pillar of the Valencian region. We also call for a firm commitment from the authorities to improve drainage and protection infrastructures in agricultural areas to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, which are increasingly frequent due to climate change.”
Reliable suppliers
Difficulties can present themselves at any time when it comes to supplying wholesale ingredients, due to things like natural catastrophes that exceed our control. This is why as suppliers, it’s our top priority to stay ahead of any challenges and always comply with our clients’ needs. Contact our team today and learn about sourcing the best ingredients for your business!
