The Spanish Association of Tropical Fruit Growers, which represents farmers in Málaga and Granada provinces, estimates that this year’s mango harvest could be as much as 80% down on last year and avocado production down by 60%.
The problem has been the exceptional winter weather conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds causing the deterioration of the vegetative structure of the trees. This, according to the association, has meant that many affected trees have reached the spring season, with no production capacity.
In addition, low temperatures and high humidity during the spring have increased the incidence of pests and diseases, loss of blooms and aborted fruit.
The association is calling for help from the regional Ministry of Agriculture. Farmers will suffer widespread economic difficulties as their costs remain the same and have already been paid, yet the harvest will be low, as will be their income.