The Association of Young Farmers and Ranchers in Catalonia (JARC) has called on the Spanish government for more funds to help olive growers impacted by Storm Filomena in January.
According to the association, the historic blizzard damaged 46,000 hectares of olive groves in three provinces across the autonomous community. Some olive growers lost as little as 20 percent of their fruits, while others lost as much as 80 percent.
Overall, JARC estimated that it will take producers between two and three years to fully recover from the damage caused by Filomena.
Olive growers in the autonomous communities of Madrid and Castille-La Mancha also reported extensive damage to their olive groves from the winter storm.
JARC said the original damage estimates calculated by the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda (DACC), which was used by the national insurance agency, Agroseguro, to make payments to farmers, was done prematurely.
The association is now calling on the DACC to return and make a new assessment of the damaged groves in Leida, Terres de l’Ebre and Tarragona, and send these new calculations to Agroseguro.
“The farmers after the pruning found a higher impact and a job of pruning much higher than in other years to remove all the branches broken by the weight of the snow,” said Lluís Gaya, the head of the olive sector at JARC, adding that the sector was still grateful for the payments already received from Agroseguro.
“These were not only the ones that were removed with the pruning but they have been found, even later,” Gaya concluded. “They were branches that looked in good condition, but were broken, and now with the weight of the olives, they have given way or will do so before harvest.”
Related Articles
Jan. 16, 2024
IOC Leader Focuses on Expanding Cultivation, Fighting Climate Change
The International Olive Council director, Jaime Lillo, says the future of olive oil production lies beyond the Mediterranean.
May. 28, 2024
Spanish Olive Oil Production Continues to Beat Expectations
While this year’s yield remains significantly below the five-year average, it exceeded initial expectations by 11 percent and surpassed last year’s historically poor harvest by 28 percent.
Nov. 27, 2023
High Olive Oil Prices in Spain Spur Interest in Black Friday Discounts
While prices at origin have dipped slightly, they remain elevated in stores, prompting concern among retailers over theft and consumers over fraud.
Sep. 5, 2024
Spanish Producers, Policy Makers Explore Strategies for Success in Chinese Market
From an emphasis on quality and terroir to smaller packaging formats, Spanish olive oil sector stakeholders identified several strategies to increase olive oil consumption in China.
Jun. 25, 2024
Spanish Households Purchase More Sunflower Oil Than Olive Oil for the First Time
Falling olive oil sales are linked to reduced production and elevated prices, whereas sunflower oil has become more affordable during the same timeframe.
Jan. 16, 2024
Spain Set to Eliminate Value-Added Tax on Olive Oil Sales
The tax cut is part of wider efforts to address the rising cost of living. The measure would eliminate VAT on olive oil until June 30th.
Apr. 1, 2024
Belgian Farmer Sues Energy Company Over Climate Damages
Hugues Falys wants energy giant TotalEnergies to take part of the blame for the dry and warm weather that has impacted his livestock and farming business.
Mar. 27, 2024
Technology Drives the Ambitions of Tunisia’s Largest Olive Oil Producer
The CHO Group was an early adopter of blockchain technology for traceability. Now, they are turning to AI to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.