Sharp drop in vegetable production in Almería due to recent storms

The recent storms that have swept across Almería have caused a drastic decline in horticultural production, severely affecting greenhouses and open-field crops across the province. The intense rainfall, strong winds and persistent lack of sunlight have created conditions that are far from ideal for plant development, leading to significant production losses. Growers report that the combination of excess humidity, low temperatures and limited radiation has slowed crop growth and reduced yields, particularly in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and courgettes. In many cases, plants have stopped producing altogether, and the fruit that does reach maturity often shows quality defects. Producers warn that the situation is already being felt in the markets, with lower supply and rising prices, and they expect the impact to continue over the coming weeks. Some cooperatives estimate production drops of between 30% and 50%, depending on the crop and the area. The storms have also caused structural damage to greenhouses, irrigation systems and access roads, further complicating the recovery. Farmers stress that, beyond the immediate losses, the sector faces a longer-term challenge: restoring normal production levels while dealing with the economic strain caused by the adverse weather. Agricultural organisations are calling for support measures to help growers cope with the situation, including financial aid, tax relief and improvements to agricultural insurance schemes. They also highlight the need to strengthen infrastructure to better withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather events.