Spain: In Aragon, an uneven fruit harvest is expected and reduced by frost

Aragon, a Spanish autonomous community, is a leader in fruit production, contributing 7.6% of the region's agricultural income and 0.3% of its GDP. With over 40,000 hectares dedicated to sweet fruit cultivation, it is the country's top producer of cherries and peaches. However, the sector is facing significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including severe frosts and heavy rains, causing substantial losses and damage to trees. These meteorological events have resulted in an estimated 28.6 million euros in compensation for fruit tree insurers and are expected to impact the quantity and quality of the fruit harvest, including a potential decrease in the number of jobs in the sector. The article highlights the varied impact of these weather conditions on different regions and farms, noting significant losses in some areas but also unexpected higher yields in others. Additionally, the article outlines efforts to prepare for the fruit picking season, including plans to hire a reduced number of seasonal workers to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19, as the region learns from last year's experiences.