Spain - Storm destroys all apricots yet to be harvested in Caravaca

08.06.2017 399 views
The recent hailstorm recorded in the municipalities of Caravaca and Moratalla unfortunately had very negative consequences. It especially affected the districts of Barranda, Singla and La Almudema, where hailstones of two to four centimetres in diameter were observed.
Agricultural producers suffered the biggest problems, as both the rain and hail damaged the apricots that had yet to be harvested
Pedro Guerrero, head for the Nuts department at Fecoam, explained that this storm has affected "the little apricot that had yet to be harvested, as well as the olives that were now in the middle of the setting stage, which although still small, may have suffered a lot of damage," he lamented.
Guerrero also recalled that this hail has affected the cereal that was still unharvested. Lastly, he recalled that "at a foliar level, it has caused damage to all trees, and in the almond sector, it may have damaged the tree more than the fruit," explaining that "these losses of foliage caused by hail affect the tree's health at a time when it may be difficult for it to continue bearing the fruit it had in all its branches."
The vehicles that were circulating the roads in the area at that time were also surprised by the severe storm, which left up to 17 litres per square meter in an hour in some places. The drivers had to take refuge in petrol stations and restaurants of the area until the storm was over. In the hamlet of Barranda, more than half a dozen cars were damaged, as the hail broke their windscreens.
The roads also suffered the impact of the storm, especially the one connecting Caravaca and Venta de Cavila, as well as the access to some districts, where several dry riverbeds were flooded.
The authorities asked everyone to take all possible precautions.
Source - laopiniondemurcia.es
28.01.2026

Canary Islands tomatoes outcompeted despite EU agricultural support

Financial support remains essential to sustain agriculture in Europe's remote and island regions, but its impact on competitiveness and diversification varies strongly by sector and region. 

28.01.2026

India - Arecanut leaf spot disease affects 88,559 hectares in Karnataka; Rs 577 crore proposal sent to Centre

“Arecanut leaf spot disease has been seen on 88,559 hectares in Malnad, coastal and Shivamogga region,” Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy said, replying to a question raised by BJP MLC Prathap Simha Nayak and Congress MLC Bilkis Banu in the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

28.01.2026

USA - New York’s Agriculture Department announces $3 million to boost workforce development initiatives

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced $3 million that is available to boost the development of a skilled workforce in New York’s agricultural and food systems industries.

28.01.2026

Jordan - $90.2mln disbursed in loans for 12,880 farmers in 2025

Director General of the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) Mohammad Doujan, announced on Tuesday the corporation financed more than 12,880 farmers and investors in the Kingdom's agricultural sector during 2025.

28.01.2026

Fiji explores agricultural trade and innovation with Malaysia

Fiji is looking to strengthen its agricultural trade and innovation through closer cooperation with Malaysia.

28.01.2026

Canada - Governments commit $20M to strengthen agriculture

The Federal and Provincial governments announced they’ll be investing up to $20 million to support farmers and agribusinesses on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

27.01.2026

New Zealand growers report limited crop damage but logistics disruption

Early reports indicate that most growers in New Zealand came through the recent heavy rain and flooding with limited impacts, according to Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott. While the weather created operational challenges, there have been no widespread crop losses or major damage to orchard infrastructure reported so far.

27.01.2026

USA - Row crop farmers continue to face financial stress amid federal payments

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture prepares to give $11 billion to farmers across the U.S., row crop producers are continuing to see a yet another year of financial strain.