Farming bodies have calculated that the heatwave that affected the Canaries last week-end and which still has not cleared completely has caused 14 million euros in damage to key crops, especially tomatoes for export.
(http://www.teide-admin.com/images/artikel/517a328fb5e34)
Nearly half of the tomatoes that should be on their way to countries such as Britain from Gran Canaria and Tenerife next week have been lost as a result of the blistering conditions, which sent temperatures soaring to around 40ºC in many parts. "We would normally hope to harvest tomatoes up to the end of May but the searing heat has caused them to ripen too quickly and has ruined them" said a spokesman for the region's biggest fruit and vegetable export association. As reported here, potato and other crops have also been badly hit, with losses of up to 60% suffered in some parts.