Strong winds damage agriculture: Vega Baja farmers assess losses and new risks for the season
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
Agriculture in the Vega Baja del Segura region has once again been affected by adverse weather conditions. According to the agricultural organization La Unió Llauradora i Ramadera, recent strong winds have caused significant damage across the Valencian agricultural sector. Preliminary estimates put the losses at more than €26 million.
Vegetable crops and artichoke plantations — one of the region’s most iconic agricultural products — were among the most affected. Strong winds damaged plants, field protection structures and, in some cases, irrigation systems.
Farmers say early vegetable plantings were particularly vulnerable.
A key agricultural region of Alicante province
The Vega Baja del Segura remains one of the main agricultural areas in southern Alicante province. It is estimated that around 24,000–26,000 hectares of farmland are cultivated across the region.
Key crops include:
artichokes
potatoes
broccoli
lettuce
melons and watermelons
citrus fruits.
The Vega Baja artichoke has become one of the region’s best-known agricultural products and is widely exported across Europe.
Export markets
Agricultural products from the region are mainly exported to:
France
Germany
the Netherlands
Italy
the United Kingdom.
Economic impact
The agricultural sector in Vega Baja generates an estimated €500–700 million per year, including production, logistics and distribution.
Agricultural results in 2025
The year 2025 was relatively stable, although farmers faced several challenges:
rising electricity costs for irrigation
higher fertilizer prices
increased fuel costs
competition from imported products.
Start of the 2026 agricultural season
The 2026 season began with cautious expectations. Winter weather conditions were generally favorable for vegetable crops, although recent strong winds have raised concerns.
Energy market risks
Farmers are also closely watching developments in global energy markets. The outbreak of hostilities in the region of Iran has already affected global oil prices.
Fluctuations in oil prices are starting to influence fuel costs in Europe. For agriculture, this is significant because diesel fuel is widely used in machinery, transport and logistics.
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