The high temperatures and recent storms have reduced the harvest prospects at different levels in different areas of the region of Aragon. The heat waves which have affected the country this past July have taken a toll especially on vegetables.
"Vegetable are suffering the most; they are boiling," stated José Manuel Calle, president of the Growers' Association of Aragon, who is still unable to give an accurate estimate of the losses, even though he expects them to have affected around 20 to 30% of the production.
Borage and chards are the most affected, while tomatoes will remain virtually unscathed from the ravages of heat. Calle assures that August is the worst month for vegetables and explains that in September there should be an upturn in the sector. The extreme temperatures and light storms will have almost no impact on prices, according to the president of this association, who points to the producer as the biggest loser in the chain. A kilo of vegetables is sold 30 cents more expensive than usual, but the decline in production and the lack of supply will cause significant losses to producers.
Onions from Fuentes are also currently in a dire situation, although there is still time to reverse the situation: "We are trying to mitigate the stress suffered by the plants," explains Daniel Molina, President of the Designation of Origin.
Producers are wary of talking about loss figures. "We'll probably register some declines in production," assures Molina, who says that the heat waves cause the plant "to suffocate and for the tips of the leaves to burn, and this prevents a normal development."
Overall, this will not result in a lower number of onions, but it will definitely affect their weight. As for prices, Molina also believes that consumers won't be affected by the losses: "We are trying to offer retailers the best possible price to prevent consumers from feeling the impact. We are happy with a small profit margin," he concludes. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/
