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Avocado, olive, grape and citrus production in Spain affected by extreme heat
VU
La Vinuela is one of the most important water storage facilities in Malaga, Andalusia, the southern province of Spain. Due to the extreme heat and no rain in the last few months, the reservoir, which is normally 100 meters deep and 6 kilometers long, now has only 12 percent of its former water volume.
The situation is dramatic, say local farmers. Now they can use only a small fraction of the water they once redirected to their fields.
One of Europe's largest avocado-growing areas is located close to this reservoir. The avocados cultivated there are destined both for local and export markets. Considering water shortage, the harvest is expected to be poor.
The trees are drying out, and in order not to lose the whole harvest, farmers are uprooting some of them, so that those remaining get enough water.
Oranges, tangerines and lemons in the Valencia region are facing the same issues.
The country’s olive
In the north of Spain, grape wine growers are harvesting prematurely to rescue some of their fruits.
According to meteorologists from the AEMET weather service, there will be no rain before October. As a result of climate change provoked by greenhouse emissions, periods of drought in Spain will even get longer and will occur more often in the upcoming years, say experts.
source: dw.com, hellenicshippingnews.com
