Relief has spread among the agricultural sectors of Valencia and Castellón following Storm Gabrielle. According to the Valencian Farmers' Association (AVA-Asaja), the mostly gentle rains caused some damage but were mostly beneficial for crops and livestock. They helped refill reservoirs and aquifers, conserve irrigation water, clear trees, control pests, restore pastures, and improve the size of citrus, kakis, avocados, and olives before harvest.
AVA-Asaja does not rule out the possibility of losses in lands flooded for extended periods in low-lying areas affected by heavy rains, especially near ravines that temporarily overflowed, as seen in La Safor and La Ribera. Rapid drainage of these areas will be crucial to prevent root asphyxia. Additionally, in the Sierra de Espadán, damage from recent hailstorms to orchards has not been ruled out.
AVA-Asaja concludes that the storm's effects are mostly positive, especially for crops scheduled for harvest in the coming weeks. "The rains were mostly gentle, enabling proper soil absorption during a critical period when citrus and kakis are ripening. The water arrived a bit late for the very early mandarin varieties, as it would have been beneficial a month ago; however, it is very helpful for increasing the size and quality of the crops, starting with the Clemenules. They also benefit the Rojo Brillante kaki, which will begin harvest next week, as well as other crops like avocados, which will be harvested starting in December," stated AVA-Asaja's Director, Jenaro Aviñó.
For more information:
AVA-Asaja
Email: [email protected]
www.avaasaja.org