ACPO’s leadership in recovering from Spain’s 2024 DANA floods

As climate disasters currently dominate headlines in January 2025—from severe floods in the UK and record-breaking rains in Saudi Arabia to wildfires in Southern California—we take this moment to share a story from the Asociación de Cultivadores de Plantas Ornamentales (ACPO) about the devastating DANA floods that struck Spain in October 2024.

While the world now focuses on new crises, the impact of these floods on Spain’s ornamental horticulture sector remains significant. Against this backdrop, the ornamental horticulture sector in Spain continues to recover from the devastating DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) floods that struck the country late last year. These floods wreaked havoc on nurseries vital to rural economies and local employment. Here is how ACPO, a member of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), was at the forefront of recovery efforts, providing crucial support to the businesses of this growers association.

Revisiting Spain’s 2024 DANA floods

A DANA is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when cold air from the north clashes with the warm waters of the Mediterranean, creating volatile weather conditions. The 29 October 2024 event was one of the deadliest in Spanish history, dumping over 300 millimetres of rain in just hours. Some areas recorded more than a year’s worth of rainfall in eight hours, leading to flash floods, hailstorms, and tornadoes that devastated eastern and southern Spain.

In the aftermath, many questioned why warnings about the event’s severity came too late, leaving vulnerable communities and businesses unprepared. Delayed alerts added to the chaos, with nurseries unable to enact pre-emptive measures that could have mitigated the damage.

The toll on nurseries

One of the hardest-hit ACPO members was Vivercid, located in Valencia. Lara Magraner, who is not only the owner of the devastated business but also the Vice President of ACPO, described the devastation: “At first, it was complete chaos. Communications were down, roads were closed, and nurseries were inaccessible. Offices were flooded, and we lost IT equipment, documents, and tools. We had to shut down one nursery entirely, relocating staff to another that lost 100 per cent of its production.”

The four nurseries operated by Vivercid faced varying levels of damage. One suffered complete production loss as facilities were flooded and irrigation systems were destroyed. Another saw 95 per cent of its production wiped out, with 80 per cent of its greenhouses and shade structures obliterated. A third nursery was forced to close entirely due to total flooding, while the fourth endured structural damage and lost 45 per cent of its plants.

Despite the extensive destruction, Magraner emphasised the solidarity and support of fellow members of ACPO.

ACPO’s unified response and future preparedness

ACPO, an AIPH member since 2023, represents 20 companies producing over 40 million plants annually across 1,300 hectares, creating more than 2,000 jobs. Based in Vigo, ACPO champions sustainability, promoting Good Agricultural Practices to protect the environment and foster long-term growth.

It was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and through this crisis, ACPO emerged as a vital support system for the sector in challenging times. “At that time, we felt in danger,” Magraner recalls. “We felt very weak at that time. The only way to survive was to work together.” Members adapted quickly, forming specialised committees and leveraging online tools to address critical issues such as sustainability, marketing, and international relations—establishing a foundation of resilience and collaboration.

So, when the DANA floods struck in 2024, ACPO members reacted with their support. An emergency meeting brought members and industry collaborators together to devise immediate solutions. The association established a task force to coordinate aid, distributed government assistance guides, and promoted resource-sharing among members to accelerate recovery.

ACPO’s efforts are anchored in Article 7 of its statutes, which emphasises cooperation and sustainability. These principles were instrumental in rallying the ornamental horticulture community during this disaster. The association engaged Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture to emphasise the urgency of the crisis and secure targeted support for nurseries. These proactive measures reinforced ACPO’s role as a safety net for its members, particularly in the absence of a timely governmental response.

Looking ahead, ACPO is developing a comprehensive response plan, including a best practices manual with protocols for prevention, crisis management, and recovery. Workshops and training sessions aim to equip members for future challenges. Advocacy remains central to ACPO’s mission, ensuring recovery efforts are sustainable and forward-thinking while addressing systemic gaps in Spain’s disaster response infrastructure.

A celebratory note

The team at Vivercid, before the flood damage by DANA 2024.

Vivercid is now a finalist for the prestigious AIPH International Grower of the Year 2025 Award. Their entry, submitted prior to the disaster, highlights their achievements and dedication to horticultural excellence. They will join the nine other exceptional finalists at the gala event on 28 January, a celebration of the very best in the global horticulture sector.

For more information about the event during IPM Essen week in Germany, visit www.aiph.org/event/igoty-2025