The extent of the losses and damage caused by a hailstorm that hit Rincon de Ademuz on Saturday afternoon is still being assessed. After removing the mud that covered the city, clearing the streets and making transit possible, all concerns are now focused on the fields. The Unió de Llauradors i Ramaders (Growers and Ranchers Association) estimates that 1,380 hectares have been affected and that crop damage could exceed 800,000 Euro. Specifically, according to the Unió, 1,000 hectares correspond to almonds, 200 to apples, 100 to olive trees, 40 to cornfields, 20 to vineyards and another 20 to vegetables. They add that apples currently raise the most concerns, since they are a "greatly important" crop for the region and 80% of the production has been affected. And, even though more than 1,000 hectares of almonds have been hit, almonds "resist hail, even if they fall," and thus additional investments will be needed for the premature harvest. In the hectares devoted to vineyards and corn that have been affected 100% has been lost, and for olives this percentage amounts to 80%. For its part, the Valencian Growers Association (AVA-Asaja), has estimated the losses at more than 500,000 Euro; a lower figure to that of the Unió, although they said it could still increase because many producers had not yet been able to access their crops. AVA-Asaja reports that 600,000 kilos of apples of the Esperiega variety have been lost and estimate the percentage of fruit lost at 50%, including plums and pears. Furthermore, there is also damage to agricultural infrastructure, including blocked access roads to lands and farms, as well as clogged irrigation ditches. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/