High losses and production losses of 70% in the olive grove and vineyard in Tras-us-Montes in bad weather

Bad weather in Tras Us Montes on Saturday destroyed olive groves and vineyards, caused thousands of euros in damage and in some cases lost 70% of production, municipalities and local farmers’ associations told Luz this Sunday.

In this region, the municipalities of Valpazos and Mirandela, in the districts of Vila Real and Bragança, respectively, were hit hardest by heavy rain and hail, the same sources said.

Valpazosa’s civil protection coordinator told Luza that an assessment of the damage, estimated to be significant, would begin on Monday.

Vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees and orchards were hit hardest by the weather, says Carla Cerdeira.

“The losses are huge because most of the olive oil production has been compromised, all the olives are on the ground. Subsequently, the vineyard also suffered, because most of it had not yet been harvested, and, of course, the fruit trees,” he stressed.

For her part, the mayor of Mirandela said municipal teams are already clearing roads and agricultural trails.

Giulia Rodriguez said that olives were the most affected in this municipality and explained that the center of Mirandela and nearby farms were the epicenter of the bad weather.

“The olives almost all fell to the ground,” he said, adding that he was already working with parish councils to investigate the damage.

Mirandela firefighters said in a post on their Facebook page that they have recorded more than 20 incidents involving draining basements, garages, houses and mopping floors.

António Luis Marques, member of the national council of the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal (CAP), told Luza that a study is already underway on damages that are not limited to production, but also to access to agricultural roads.

“We are talking about industries that already experienced difficulties in 2022, so in 2023 there were already very negative indicators for this year’s production, which are now worsening,” he explained.

According to the leader, there are areas of olive groves whose production is completely undermined, and production losses could be about 70% or more.

“I would like the government to look at this region with clear eyes, because these farmers need to have access to public and national funds in order to be able to cultivate land that is already difficult to cultivate,” said António Luis Marques. .

“We are talking about losses of thousands of euros,” said the Vice President of the Association of Integrated Protection Manufacturers of Tras us Montes and Alto Douro (APPITAD).

Francisco Pavao said that the income of many farms, as well as their technical, economic and financial viability, are at stake.