Another setback for the production of persimmons

In Spain, initial estimates for the persimmon harvests already predicted a decline of around 25-30% compared to last year's production. The hailstorm that affected production areas in the province of Valencia will further reduce volumes.

 

 

 

The hailstorm that hit the region of La Ribera Alta caused losses of more than EUR 4 million on an area of ​​2,000 hectares of crops, mainly persimmons and citrus fruits, according to the first estimates AVA-ASAJA ( Asociación Valenciana de Agricultores).

 

 

 

The affected strip was narrow, about 1 kilometer wide, but long since it included many municipalities in the Ribera Alta region such as Benimodo, L'Alcúdia, Massalavés, Guadassuar, Alzira, Benimuslem, Alberic and Carcaixent, among others. Hail caused devastating damage, averaging 50% and in the worst case up to 100% of the crop, in the middle of the harvest season for persimmons and early varieties of tangerines and oranges.

 

 

 

This storm comes on top of other factors that had compromised production capacities: abnormal weather conditions in spring, pests and diseases (white flies and leaf necrosis).

 

 

 

The appellation of origin "Kaki Ribera del Xúquer" estimated production at 85,000 tonnes, a far cry from the 115,000 tonnes sold last year. The whole Spanish persimmon harvest is expected to be below 300,000 tonnes, last year reaching 400,000 tonnes