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Spain: La Unio reports that the end of the year winds caused damage to citrus

La Unio calls to the authorities to control the output of frozen citrus to markets in mid-December and citrus fruits from Andalucia

La Unio reports that the wind and rain affecting Valencia in recent days has damaged citrus, which caused a reduction in varieties less resistant to wind damage, as well as damage to fruits which have not fallen as a result of the wind. Damage to the mandarin variety Clemenvilla is between 20% and 50% of the production.

In turn, the rains of the last few hours have contributed to the proliferation of Pixat of the Clementina de Nules variety not treated against damage to the skin.

In varieties of oranges still on the tree, such as the Lane-late or the Valencia-late-late, there is also some damage caused by the fruit branches hitting the fruit, with a big reduction in the variety Navelate which is much more sensitive to the wind.

Likewise, La UNIÓ is asking farmers with an agricultural insurance policy to make the corresponding part of a claim to Agroseguro to expedite shipping to the relevant sites for the expertise needed for proper and effective assessment of damage, especially on farms with fruit on the ground.

Moreover, La Unio is asking the Department of Agriculture to step up inspections to keep the damaged fruit from the frozen citrus markets, to avoid a collapse of prices for citrus which are in perfect condition.

In view of the above La Unio, is also asking for control to be extended to citrus from Andalusia for possible presence of "water" or fruit in poor condition because of the heavy and persistent rains in the area in recent weeks.

Source: LA UNIÓ

Publication date: 1/11/2010