EU aid for almonds

Valencia regional president discusses matter with EU commissioner

Regional president in Brussels to get EU funds to replenish decimate tree fields in the north Costa Blanca

THE PRESIDENT of the Valencia regional government, Ximo Puig, took advantage of his recent stay in Brussels to discuss with Phil Hogan, the European commissioner for agriculture, fundamental questions that are worrying local farmers with regard to the Xylella Fastidiosa bacteria that is ravaging almond tree crops in the Marina Alta. With a list of questions constructed between Elena Cebrian, the agriculture councillor, and various agricultural organisations, Puig transferred the farmers concerns. Hogan pledged his commitment to implement a pilot plan that will offset the effects of Xylella.

Hogan informed Puig that the Valencia region has the possibility of modifying the Rural Development Plan (PDR) - which is subject to European funding - to develop a pilot plan to fight against the plague. The plan, as explained by Puig, has not yet been implemented, but would be to replant the fields with varieties of fruits and vegetables resistant to the bacteria, that is to say, with nonwoody crops and thus give new opportunities to farmers.

“The pilot plan opens up an opportunity to revise the defeat of Xylella, although we must maintain a combat position because the plague has a devastating effect,” Puig said, who regretted that bureaucracy often prevents urgent action in the face of serious problems. In this sense, Puig insisted that leaving infected fields as they are and not destroying the trees is not an option. He pointed out that it is a European mandate and that it is not a Valencian decision.

Puig explained that the meeting was “very positive and has been used to highlight the problems of the Valencian agriculture industry”.

Regional meeting held to discuss the situation

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a meeting was held in Alfaz del Pi regarding the current situation and the effects of Xylella, which seriously affects the cultivation of almond trees. The meeting was attended by several councillors from the province, among them Domènec Miralles, councillor for agriculture in Benissa. “We want all the affected neighbourhoods to be informed of the actions being carried out by the Ministry, and it is essential that people are aware of developments in order to receive aid or subsidies,” said Miralles.

During the analysis of the current situation, it was confirmed that new outbreaks had recently been detected in Alcalalí, Benissa, Benitachell, Calpe, Dénia, La Vall d'Alcalà, Jalón, Jávea, Llíber, Parcent and Teulada. An apricot tree had also been found to be affected by the bacteria.

The general director of agriculture, Roger Llanes, explained that in the coming days famers will begin to receive aid and compensation.

Last Friday was the final day for those affected to submit their claims.