Cyclone Garance Cripples Reunion Island’s Avocado Season, Driving Up Prices
BREAKING NEWS: The 2025 growing season for avocados on Reunion island has been severely disrupted by the passage of Cyclone Garance.The severe weather event has inflicted ample material damage, leading to significant losses for local growers and a marked increase in market prices.
Reunion Island is grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Garance, which has dealt a heavy blow to its agricultural sector, particularly the prized avocado crop. This latest climatic event compounds the challenges faced by the island, which had already been weakened by Cyclone Belal in January and a preceding seven-month drought.
Avocado production Suffers major Losses
Market gardeners are reporting devastating losses, with some estimating up to 60% of their production wiped out. Jean-Philippe Robert, a market gardener from Plaine des Cafres, described the harsh reality on his land, noting that strong winds reduced the yield from an average of 500 fruits per tree to approximately 200. “The wind blows hard,” Robert stated, emphasizing the need to re-evaluate cultivation practices and consider planting strategies that account for prevailing winds.
The impact of Cyclone Garance has created a noticeable scarcity of avocados across the island. This reduced supply is directly translating into higher costs for consumers.
| Location | Average Price per Unit | Reason for Price |
|---|---|---|
| Plaine des Cafres | €1 – €2 | Cyclone damage impact on local production |
| Saint-Denis (North) | Up to €5 | End of season coupled with cyclone impact |
| Shopping Centers | Around €2.50 | Smaller fruits, possibly from less affected areas or storage |
Price hikes and Market Fluctuations
In the northern city of Saint-denis, the price of avocados has surged, with vendors selling them for as much as 5 euros per unit. While the cyclone’s damage is a primary factor, vendors like Virgile Calizingoue also point to the natural end of the season as a contributing element to the higher prices. He noted that the available avocados are large and of good quality, a testament to the growers’ efforts despite the adverse conditions.
Elsewhere, in shopping centers, avocados are priced closer to 2.50 euros, though these are often smaller fruits, suitable for salads or “rougail” side dishes. This disparity in pricing highlights the varied effects of the cyclone across different regions and distribution channels.
Did You Know? Reunion Island’s agriculture is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events like cyclones, which can have cascading effects on food security and local economies.
Adapting Cultivation for Resilience
The challenges presented by Cyclone Garance underscore the need for adaptive agricultural strategies. Growers are being forced to reconsider planting seasons and techniques to build resilience against future weather disturbances. This includes exploring crop diversification and investing in more robust cultivation methods.
Pro Tip: By understanding seasonal availability and the impact of weather events, consumers can better navigate the fluctuating prices of local produce and support their farming communities.
The resilience of Reunion Island’s agricultural community will be tested as they work to recover from these recent setbacks. The long-term implications for avocado production and availability are yet to be fully resolute.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for reunion Island’s Avocados?
With the 2025 season significantly impacted, the focus now shifts to recovery and future planning. How will growers adapt their practices to mitigate the effects of increasingly frequent and intense weather events? What support will be available to help them rebuild and ensure a more stable supply chain moving forward?
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences. have you noticed the price changes for avocados on the island? Do you have tips for supporting local farmers during challenging times?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us foster a community discussion on supporting Reunion Island’s vital agricultural sector.
