Rain From ‘alice’ Brings Hope To Struggling Dryland Crops In Marina Alta

The Alicante branch of nan Young Farmers’ Association (ASAJA) has revealed that the rainfall brought by Storm Alice has been mostly beneficial for dryland crops crossed nan province, particularly aft respective months of utmost drought. Precipitation levels ranged betwixt 20 and 150 litres per quadrate metre depending connected nan area, helping to replenish nan ungraded and amended prospects for nan upcoming cultivation season.

“These person been awesome rains, and notably location person been nary important incidents caused by nan weather,” said Ramón Espinosa, method caput of ASAJA Alicante.

The rainfall has had a peculiarly affirmative effect successful areas specified arsenic Ibi, Alcoi, Teulada, les Valls de la Marina and Relleu, wherever almonds, cereals, cherries, muscat grapes and olives person benefited from immoderate alleviation aft enduring utmost dryness, “although nan amounts are still insufficient for crops to afloat retrieve aft years of terrible drought, for illustration that of 2024.” The moisture has besides helped hole nan ungraded for upcoming sowing.

Teulada

Muscat grape plants person welcomed nan rain, having salvaged half a harvest that initially looked lost. “2024 was a full write-off; nan drought almost wholly destroyed nan crop. Now we request bully rainfall to afloat recover,” explained Juan José Buigues, a grower of this assortment successful Teulada.

La Vall de la Gallinera

Cherry growers are besides hopeful, arsenic nan abundant rainfall successful nan upland areas, reaching up to 125 litres per quadrate metre successful La Vall de la Gallinera, could springiness trees a much-needed boost aft respective mediocre seasons.

Calls for action from authorities

While ASAJA Alicante welcomes nan truth that Storm Alice caused nary awesome harm and provided alleviation to dryland crops, it is urging authorities to support vigilance complete agrarian infrastructure, fortify attraction of roads and drainage systems, and reactivate circumstantial plans to safeguard dryland farming, wherever deficiency of rainfall and insufficient harvest security tin ruin harvests and promote abandonment.