Teams from the Algarve’s Commission for Coordination and Development (CCDR) are on the ground visiting the hardest-hit areas and validating reports submitted by affected agricultural units.
One such visit took place on Wednesday at Agrolimoa, Sociedade Horto-Frutícola do Algarve in Silves, Faro district, where modern greenhouses covering 6.5 hectares out of a total of nine were destroyed.
Simão Pereira, a manager at the company, estimated that losses total approximately 1.5 million euros, primarily affecting greenhouse structures, irrigation systems, and crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, or eggplants.
“This situation now compromises all the crops that were supposed to start in December and January,” Pereira stated, adding that “revenue will drop drastically because production will not be at previous levels.”
Of the 11 greenhouses on the property, only three remain in good condition. Nevertheless, Agrolimoa is determined “not to give up” and plans to “try to rebuild gradually.”
“We currently employ around 50 people, and closing the company would be the last resort. Without [state] assistance, it will be very difficult. With available aid and financing, I believe we could fully resume operations within a year,” he said.
Ilídio Mestre, president of the Association of Irrigators and Beneficiaries of Silves, Lagoa, and Portimão, reported that citrus and avocado products were the most affected by the storm, with much fruit fallen to the ground, uprooted trees, and destroyed infrastructure like greenhouses and irrigation systems.
“The produce that fell on the ground cannot be recovered, and the losses are still being tallied,” Mestre noted.
Pedro Valadas Monteiro, vice-president of the CCDR Algarve, confirmed that daily reports of the damages are being received, some of which are “significant.”
“After validation, a report will be prepared and sent to the Minister of Agriculture and Sea’s office, as a measure exists to restore destroyed productive potential that can only be opened with the minister’s order,” the official stated.
Completed reports can be sent to vi****************@******lg.pt or submitted in person at the Tavira Agricultural Experimentation Center, the Division of Proximity Technical Support (Portimão Fishing Port), the Patacão Service Desk (Faro), or the Alcoutim Office.
The CCDR Algarve noted that this assessment will “evaluate the impacts and substantiate the proposal for appropriate support measures for the sector.”
The severe weather caused by the depression Cláudia in the Algarve resulted in the death of an 85-year-old woman and more than 20 injuries in Albufeira on Saturday, also causing damage in the municipalities of Lagoa and Silves.
The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) confirmed that the phenomenon in Albufeira that day was a tornado, reaching wind speeds of up to 220 kilometers per hour and covering a path of roughly four kilometers.
