The agricultural organization ASAJA Almería has quantified the impact of the low temperatures, which for approximately four hours dropped to -2.5ºC, severely damaging almond trees at a crucial stage of their development. The Los Vélez region has been the most affected, with an estimated 70% reduction in its production.
At the provincial level, average losses stand at around 30%, translating into an economic impact close to 148 million euros. This extreme weather phenomenon has primarily affected late varieties such as guara and lauranne, resulting in the loss of approximately 7,700 tons of in-shell almonds.
These frosts have struck at a key moment for almond development, causing a direct reduction in production and, consequently, in farmers' incomes.
ASAJA Almería has pointed out that, although Agroseguro covers part of the damages, the compensations do not fully cover the losses. Furthermore, the high cost of agricultural insurance against frost makes it difficult to contract, leaving many producers without protection against such incidents.
Given this critical situation, the organization has urged the Junta de Andalucía and the Ministry to implement urgent economic aid to complement those already approved, in order to mitigate losses, especially in areas like Los Vélez. They have also requested a review and improvement of the agricultural insurance system to encourage its uptake by reducing costs and promoting measures that facilitate access to frost coverage.
The agricultural entity emphasizes the urgency of these actions to ensure the viability of almond farms in the province of Almería, in the face of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events that generate uncertainty and economic harm to the sector.
