The Association of Strawberry Producers and Exporters of Huelva, Freshuelva, is currently collecting and analysing data to quantify the extent of the damage caused by the succession of storms that have affected the province of Huelva in recent weeks and that are having a "very significant" impact on the development of the current berry campaign.
© Freshuelva
"The intense and persistent rainfall, in some episodes accompanied by strong gusts of wind and other adverse phenomena, has caused damage to agricultural holdings in different parts of the province, affecting both plantations and production and handling infrastructure. These circumstances are directly affecting the pace of harvesting and campaign planning."
"As a result of this situation, Freshuelva estimates that export volumes have fallen by around 50% compared with the same stage of last season, representing a significant economic impact for producing and marketing companies, as well as for the agri food sector as a whole in the province."
"This reduction in activity is also having direct effects on employment, with fewer working days both in the field and in packing houses and handling centres. This is a situation that affects the entire production chain, from workers to auxiliary companies linked to the sector."
In light of this scenario, Freshuelva has requested that the competent authorities, both the central government and the regional government of Andalusia, activate the corresponding aid through the declaration of a disaster area, "with the aim of offsetting the losses suffered by farms and contributing to the recovery of normal productive activity in the province."
"The association stresses the need for a swift and coordinated response from the authorities, one that helps sustain the sector at a particularly complex time and guarantees the continuity of an activity that is strategic for the economy, employment and social cohesion of the province of Huelva."
"Freshuelva will continue working on a detailed assessment of the damage and providing the competent authorities with the necessary information to accurately gauge the impact of these exceptional weather events and to put in place the support measures the sector requires."
Source: freshuelva.es
