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

08.06.2017 494 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
23.04.2026

Canada - Agricorp pays out more than $253 million after challenging 2025 season with soybeans recording the biggest losses

As of mid April, Ontario farmers claimed more than $253 million in Agricorp production insurance for the 2025 season, more than double the $115 million claimed a year earlier. 

23.04.2026

USA - Cold damages Michigan apples, peaches and cherries, MSUE say losses uneven

Michigan State University Extension educators are expecting widespread but highly variable fruit damage across the state following this weekend’s low temperatures.

23.04.2026

Super Typhoon Sinlaku crop loss assessment begins to help Guam farmers, ranchers

A preliminary damage assessment of crop, livestock, and farm property losses sustained during Super Typhoon Sinlaku has started, which could help affected farmers and ranchers receive compensation to help them recover from the storm.

23.04.2026

Georgia - The Rural Development Agency implements the state agroinsurance program with an increased budget

In 2026, the budget of the state agroinsurance program amounts to 17 million GEL, which is 2 million GEL more compared to the previous year. 

23.04.2026

Nigeria - FG Pays ₦396.7m Insurance Claims to 43,000 Farmers

The Federal Government has disbursed a total of ₦396.7 million in insurance claims to over 43,000 smallholder farmers impacted by climate-related losses, in what officials describe as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s food system resilience and protecting vulnerable agricultural livelihoods.

23.04.2026

Nepal - Govt urged to adopt agroecology

The Alliance of Agriculture for Food has called on the government to revise its recently published national commitment document, advocating a transition to an environmentally friendly agricultural system based on agroecology.

22.04.2026

Bangladesh - PM rolls out master plans for 'smart agriculture'

Technology-driven modern farming is in sight in Bangladesh as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Wednesday unveiled a set of master plans to implement "smart agriculture" initiatives for boosting agricultural production, diversifying farm products and addressing climate-change impacts.

22.04.2026

USA - Capital Farm Credit acquires Ag Crop Insurance Agency

In an effort to provide the best risk protection for ag producers in the High Plains region of Texas, Capital Farm Credit has acquired Ag Crop Insurance Agency.