Citrus, grapes and persimmons were among the worst hit crops from a hailstorm that hit Spain over the weekend, according to the Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA). 

In a release, the organization said around 4,000 hectares of crops were damaged by the weather event, translating to around €10 million (US$11.27 million) in losses for growers.

AVA-ASAJA said grapes, citrus, persimmons and rice crops were in an advanced state of ripening when the hailstorm hit, with some farmers even in the harvest period.

For this reason, the group said the event occurred during an "especially delicate" time for the development of campaigns for affected farmers.

The worsthit areas were between the regions of Tavernes de la Valldigna, Cullera, Favara and Llaurí, with an estimated €6 million (US$6.76 million) in losses and 2,500 hectares hit by hail stones, especially in citrus where experts observed damage to the trees, heavy defoliation and fruit falling to the ground.

In persimmons, the fruit has a more sensitive and soft skin so events like this can lead to physical imperfections.

The Utiel-Requena plain was also particularly badly hit by hailstorms with some stones reaching the size of tennis balls. Growers in the area were in the middle of their grape harvest, leading AVA-ASAJA to estimate damages of €2 million (US$2.25 million) over an area of 800 hectares.

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