Calanda peach production drops due to hail damage

Peach farmers in Calanda are facing significant production losses following two summer hailstorms. Local cooperatives report a substantial decrease in harvest volume compared to the previous season.

La Cooperativa San Miguel estimates a 60% loss in total harvest, representing a reduction of between 500,000 and 600,000 kilograms. Similarly, La Calandina reports a 40% drop in commercialized fruit, with production falling from 4.2 million to approximately 2.9 million kilograms.

The damage has impacted the labor market, with La Cooperativa San Miguel reducing its seasonal workforce from an expected 100 people to 60. Much of the remaining fruit is being diverted to juice production or sold as waste due to the quality issues caused by the weather.