Alicante Farmers Warn of Winter Vegetable Shortage Due to Water Cuts

Alicante could face a winter without artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, romanesco, beans, or cabbages due to the water cuts determined by the Segura Hydrographic Confederation (CHS) for the next hydrological year, which begins in October. The basin authority has advised farmers "not to plant more vegetables" as there will not be enough water to irrigate all crops.

These recommendations come late since most have already finished their plantings. Asaja Alicante reproaches the CHS for its "lack of foresight when announcing water cuts," something that "will condition the vegetable campaign in Vega Baja and Camp d'Elx." About 50,000 hectares of crops in the province of Alicante are at risk due to lack of resources: 20,000 in traditional irrigation in Vega Baja; 20,000 in Camp D'Elx; and 10,000 in fields of Almoradi, Los Montesinos, Orihuela, San Miguel de Salinas, and Algorfa, according to the agricultural organization.

"If the announced restrictions are implemented, not only will they not be able to bring their crops forward, but they will probably have to abandon their plots," Asaja states.

This deeply concerns producers, who criticize the CHS for "acting with greater foresight, at least a year in advance, and not throwing farmers into the void at the start of the campaign." If the planned cuts are fulfilled, the consequence will be a shortage of vegetables in the markets over the coming months with a consequent increase in consumer prices.

"Without a doubt, situations like this prove us right when we say that the Segura basin needs the Tajo-Segura transfer more than ever," says Asaja Alicante president José Vicente Andreu.

"This increase in restrictions is the legacy received by Alicante from Minister Teresa Ribera," who will leave her post at the Ministry of Ecological Transition in the coming days to take up a vice-presidency at the European Commission. "It is a true reflection of how her management has punished us throughout her term," says Andreu, who describes the CHS announcement as "a stab to the agricultural heart of the province," as 50% of Alicante's vegetable production is in Vega Baja.

The Alicante agricultural entity asks the CHS to reconsider the cuts and make a less drastic decision for the primary sector.