These weather events are having what the association describes as a “very significant” impact on the ongoing berry season.
Persistent rainfall, strong winds and farm-level damage
According to Freshuelva, intense and prolonged rainfall—sometimes accompanied by strong wind gusts and other adverse conditions—has caused damage across several production areas in the province. The impact affects plantations, production volumes, as well as packing and handling infrastructure. These conditions are directly disrupting harvest schedules and overall campaign planning.
Exports down an estimated 50% year-on-year
In this context, Freshuelva estimates that export volumes have declined by around 50% compared to the same period of the previous season. This represents a major economic setback for production and marketing companies, as well as for the wider agri-food sector of the province.
A direct impact on employment and the entire supply chain
The reduced activity is also affecting employment levels, with fewer working days both in the fields and in packing stations and handling centers. Freshuelva highlights that the situation impacts the entire value chain, from agricultural workers to auxiliary companies supporting the sector.
Call for emergency support through disaster-area declaration
In response, Freshuelva has called on the competent authorities—both the Spanish central government and the Andalusian regional government—to activate support measures through an official disaster-area declaration. The objective is to compensate farms for their losses and support the return to normal productive activity in the province.
Urgent need for a rapid response to protect a strategic sector
The association stresses the need for a fast and coordinated response from public authorities in order to support the sector during an especially challenging period and ensure the continuity of an activity considered strategic for the province of Huelva in terms of economic value, employment and social cohesion.
Freshuelva also confirmed that it will continue its detailed assessment of the damage and will provide authorities with the necessary data to accurately measure the impact of these exceptional weather events and implement the support measures required by the sector.