British consumers could face higher prices and potential shortages of oranges and other fresh produce after catastrophic floods in Spain caused extensive agricultural damage.
The floods, which devastated the Valencia region, have incurred estimated losses ranging from £200 million to as high as £900 million, disrupting Spain’s critical citrus production.
The flooding, which occurred on 29 October, is considered the worst agricultural disaster in Spain’s insurance history. It damaged over 25,000 hectares of farmland, with about 10,000 farmers expected to file claims.
Agroseguro, Spain’s agricultural insurance authority, reported damages of £215 million so far but warned the figure could rise as assessments continue.
The Valencian Farmers’ Association (AVA-Asaja) provided an even higher estimate, citing £929 million in damages and the destruction of 170,000 hectares of farmland. Oranges and other citrus fruits were hit hardest, along with vineyards and other horticultural crops.
Valencia, responsible for 60% of Spain’s citrus production, is a key supplier to the UK market. As the world’s largest exporter of fresh and dried oranges, Spain exported citrus fruits worth £254 million to Britain in 2022 alone.
The disruption to this vital supply chain could significantly impact UK supermarkets and consumers, particularly during the winter season when citrus demand peaks.
The broader economic and environmental consequences of the floods underscore the vulnerability of global food systems to climate-related disasters. As Spain works to recover from this devastating event, the UK faces a challenging period of supply chain disruptions and rising costs for essential produce.
