FRUIT AND VEGETABLE NEWS
Wildfires devastate the agricultural heart of Spain’s Valle del Jerte
With over 17,355 hectares scorched and a 170-kilometre perimeter, the Jarilla fire has become the largest recorded forest fire in Extremadura, severely impacting cherry, chestnut, and olive production. The blaze also devastated areas of high environmental value, including the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, the Natura 2000 network in the Sierra de Gredos, and the Jerte Valley itself
Green kiwifruit receives the First EU-approved health claim for fresh fruit
With the authorization now in effect, all green kiwifruit growers and exporters worldwide will be able to include the health claim in their communications within Europe, boosting their marketing and positioning strategies
Eosta brings unique high-juice Organic Raingrown oranges to Europe for first time
Eosta is continuing to the lead the way in the organic fruit category with the introduction of high-juice Jucy Gold Organic Raingrown oranges to Europe
Call for urgent review of the EU–Morocco agreement
The Petitions Committee of the European Parliament recently addressed concerns over the EU-Morocco Agreement and the implementation of EU Court rulings on Western Sahara, following interventions by two Spanish MEPs: Carmen Crespo (European People’s Party) and Mireia Borrás Pabón (Patriots for Europe group)
Extreme weather costs EU farmers 28 billion euros a year
The European Union’s agriculture sector loses an average of 28.3 billion euros ($31.9 billion) each year from extreme weather made worse by climate change
Spain approves circulation of 44-tonne freight vehicles in line with EU standards
Spain has officially authorized the circulation of freight vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of up to 44 tonnes, aligning with recent reforms to the EU’s Weights and Dimensions Directive and joining 12 other Member States already implementing similar regulations
Brussels pushes “Made in Europe” fruit and vegetables in school meals
The European Commission is stepping up its support for local fruit and vegetable production with a renewed push to prioritize “Made in Europe” sourcing in school meal programs, aiming to boost healthy eating, support EU farmers, and reinforce food sovereignty
Spain steps up biological control research against Thrips parvispinus
A new research project led by the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IFAPA) is making strides in the biological control of Thrips parvispinus, a destructive invasive pest affecting greenhouse-grown peppers in southern Spain
International Asparagus and Berries Days join forces in Bordeaux in 2025
Technical visits, exhibition area, field demonstrations, workshops, and trade fair tours — all of this will take place in Bordeaux from October 7 to 10, 2025, during the International Asparagus Days (IAD) and International Berries Days (IBD)
M&S launches seedless lemons
The launch in 200 M&S Food stores comes after a successful rollout in the retailer’s Food Halls and aims to remove consumer annoyance with lemon pips
Spain will receive 20% less EU funds for the CAP and Cohesion starting in 2027
The Government believes that support for rural development and less developed regions is undermined
Catalonia’s pip fruit crop falls short of its production potential
The harvest, marked by excellent fruit size and sugar levels, will find storage chambers empty, paving the way for a smooth campaign
