The region of La Plata, Argentina, has been heavily affected by the high temperatures registered in the past few days. More than half of the lettuce harvest has been lost, as well as tonnes of tomatoes.
"While outdoor temperatures reach 40 degrees Celsius, greenhouses can register up to 60 degrees, which can destruct any product. 50% of the lettuce harvest has been lost and now prices can increase to higher levels than usual," explained Gabriel Gambarotta, a producer from the municipality of Olmos.
Alberto Pate, president of the Association of Horticultural Producers of La Plata, stated that "when some had started recovering from the effects of the gales from 2 December, when rainfall and winds destroyed numerous greenhouses of all sizes, the sector has taken another hit by the heat and droughts. Tomatoes had to be harvested earlier than expected, causing oversupply and forcing prices down."
Source: Eldia
