According to the initial assessment by the Department of Agriculture, the hail primarily affected sweet fruits, both stone and pome, with more severe damage to sensitive species such as nectarines and apricots. Damages were also reported in apples and pears, as well as in cereal and corn fields.
The most affected area, considered the 'ground zero', is located in Torres de Segre. Other municipalities with significant damage include Juneda, Puigverd de Lleida, and Sudanell, in addition to Les Borges Blanques, Artesa de Lleida, Castelldans, or Bell-lloc d'Urgell. The storm crossed Segrià from west to east, reaching towns in Les Garrigues and the south of Pla d'Urgell.
This is the third hailstorm to hit Lleida's fruit-growing region this spring. The most intense occurred on May 6, affecting localities such as Albesa, Castelló de Farfanya, Juneda, La Floresta, or Alguaire. Agricultural organizations and the Department agree that Tuesday's hailstorm is different from the one that devastated much of the production last April, and the overall impact on the harvest is expected to be more limited, although some producers will be severely affected.
“"Tuesday's hail has caused significant damage to many fruits, with broken skin completely ruining the production. But, in addition, farmers warn that a significant percentage, even with minimal skin abrasions, will see their value plummet in stores, and with it, producers' incomes."
The presence of anti-hail nets has helped save some productions, but there are cases where the installation of these nets had been delayed. In light of this situation, agricultural organizations have urged the ministries of Agriculture and Finance to urgently publish the Order for the reduction of agricultural modules corresponding to the 2025 fiscal year, which is still pending approval.
