Avocado farmers in Valencia face crop damage from sun exposure

Avocado farmers in the Valencian Community, specifically in Valencia and Castellón, are facing widespread crop damage due to sun damage, known as ‘planchado’. The issue has been driven by high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and ‘poniente’ wind episodes during the summer.

Reports from La Unió Llauradora indicate that damage is most severe on fruits directly exposed to the sun, while trees with denser vegetation offer better protection. Beyond skin burns on the fruit, which depreciate commercial value and hinder sales, some farmers have reported burns on shoots and leaves, fruit drop, and reduced harvest loads.

The situation has highlighted significant inequalities in agricultural insurance coverage. While the risk of sun damage is covered under modules 1 and 2 of the agricultural insurance, it is not covered under module P. This discrepancy leaves many producers in certain areas without protection, whereas farmers in parts of Alicante can access modules that provide coverage for this specific risk.