At Lusomorango – Organization of Producers of Small Fruits, the organization warns of the severe impact of Kristin Depression on the agricultural operations in the municipality of Odemira. Among around forty associated producers, provisional direct losses already exceed 10 million euros. The destruction of agricultural infrastructures, irrigation systems and other equipment essential to production has, to date, led to a loss of between 50% and 70% of the productive capacity of Lusomorango’s producers, according to a statement.
According to the same source, these numbers are still preliminary, at a time when weather forecasts point to a worsening of the weather in the coming days, which could significantly increase losses and compromise not only the current campaign but also future production.
In light of this devastating scenario for Lusomorango, for the small-fruit sector and for the agricultural future of Odemira, the Producers’ Organization calls for this region to also access the set of measures announced by the Government to support farms located in territories where a state of calamity has been decreed. Without this framework, many dozens of farming operations and thousands of jobs may be at stake, as they are prevented from accessing the extraordinary support provided to cope with the damage caused by the storm.
“What is at stake is the immediate and future productive capacity of a sector strategic for the country. The destruction of infrastructure compromises harvests, export contracts and jobs,” says Joel Vasconcelos, CEO of Lusomorango. “We naturally express full solidarity with all affected regions, but it is essential that the Government also considers the gravity of the situation in Odemira and in other territories of the country and includes them in the perimeter of aid intended to respond to the effects of Kristin Depression.”
The Mira Irrigation Perimeter generated, in 2023, 502 million euros of Gross Value Added, more than 16 thousand jobs and 134 million euros in tax revenue, according to a study prepared by EY-Parthenon. Lusomorango represents a determining share of this contribution, being responsible for 17% of the national production of small fruits, with a strong weight in exports and in the social and economic cohesion of the territory. In 2024, this sector exported 348 million euros – with Lusomorango accounting for almost one third of that value.
“What is at risk today is not merely an agricultural campaign, but the continuity of an activity that ensures employment, stabilizes the population, produces food and generates economic value for the country,” stresses Joel Vasconcelos. “In the face of already very significant losses and adverse weather forecasts, we make a strong appeal for the Government to reinforce and widen the measures of support to farmers.”
Lusomorango calls for a fast, effective and fair response, which includes all producers affected by Kristin Depression in the mechanisms of extraordinary support, ensuring administrative simplicity and speed of execution, in order to avoid irreparable damage to productive capacity, to employment and to the economic and social contribution of this strategic sector for Portugal.
