Cooperatives Agro-alimentàries Illes Balears is carrying out a first assessment of the damage that the heavy rains and winds of storm Betty caused to its members' crops.
"The damage is considerable, but we still have to wait for the assessment of the technicians and appraisals," stated Jerónima Bonafé, president of Cooperatives Agro-alimentàries Illes Balears. The weather was very intense for 24 hours, and there were torrential storms that affected crops. "The winds and rains toppled branches and trees. They caused damage to crops and materials." These rains were helpful for the crops that were not significantly affected, and they were beneficial for the pasture land, Bonafé added.
Outdoor horticultural melon, tomato, and zucchini crops were the most affected in both Mallorca and Ibiza. All outdoor cultivation in Mallorca has been lost. The storm also affected fruit crops, such as the plum, as the fruits fell to the ground.
The storm also affected almond and carob crops. A lot of almond has been lost. However, it's still too early to make an accurate assessment. The heavy rains and winds have toppled the almonds from the trees. However, the Cooperative is still waiting for reports from its partners.
Olive groves have also been affected. The olives that were ready to be harvested have been damaged by the wind, which has cracked them.
Other crops, such as hemp, have been lost. "Experts say that they can still save 25% of the crop, but they have a week to assess everything and remove all the fallen plants." Some producers have been more fortunate, like the partners who have vineyards, because they had already harvested.
There were strong gusts of wind in Ibiza, and damages are being assessed.
In Menorca, the wind and rain have also affected the sector. Sant Martí cooperative's feed factory was flooded. They have also reported the fall of some walls. They're waiting to receive a damage assessment.
"Cooperatives Agro-alimentaries would like to remind producers of the importance of having agricultural insurance, as it is the only tool that can help in these cases."
Source: agroalimentaries.es