Spain: Fire Ravages Arcofrut Cooperative in Lleida, Prompting Evacuations

Firefighters brought a major blaze under control on Tuesday morning, June 9, at the Arcofrut fruit cooperative in Lleida, Spain, after it broke out late Monday night, June 8 and spread rapidly through the facility's exterior and two of its three warehouses. Four people suffered minor injuries, nearby residents were briefly evacuated over fears of an ammonia tank explosion, and authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately set after indications it may have started at two separate points.

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Illustration during the visits of the Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard at the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Annie Genevard Visits the Rhone Region - France

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard visits the SICOLY fruit cooperative to talk with farmers in Saint Laurent d'Agny, France, on 14 November 2025. Photo by Julien Reynaud/APS-Medias/ABACAPRESS.COM

China S Largest Lychee Production Base

China S Largest Lychee Production Base

Lychees to be delivered are seen at a fruit and vegetable cooperative in Gaozhou of Maoming City, south China's Guangdong Province, June 6, 2025. Nestled in the lush landscapes of southwestern Guangdong Province, Gaozhou of Maoming City is known as a "hometown of lychees" in China. Maoming is China's largest lychee production base with a planting area of approximately 1.42 million mu (about 94,667 hectares) and an annual output that accounted for roughly 20 percent of the country's total in 2024. Beyond supplying domestic markets, Maoming lychee is exported worldwide, reaching countries including Russia, Australia, Thailand and Japan. Photo by Deng Hua/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

China-Russia joint efforts on Siberian tiger protection bear fruit

STORY: China-Russia joint efforts on Siberian tiger protection bear fruit SHOOTING TIME: May 15, 2024/File DATELINE: May 17, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:40 LOCATION: CHANGCHUN, China CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of Siberian tigers and Amur leopards 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): FENG LIMIN, Deputy director of the monitoring and research center for Siberian tigers and Amur leopards under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration 3. various of Siberian tigers STORYLINE: Siberian tigers have been frequently spotted around China-Russia border areas in recent years, due to joint protection efforts made by both countries. As one of the world's most endangered species, Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, mainly live in Russia's Far East and northeast China. Back in 2010, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement to protect Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. In 2019, two national parks in China and Russia signed a three-year cooperative action plan to beef up cooperation in the protection

Fresh fruits, vegetables delivered to remote villages in SW China's Xizang

STORY: Fresh fruits, vegetables delivered to remote villages in SW China's Xizang SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 2-6, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 8, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:54 LOCATION: LHASA, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the sales stores for fruit and vegetable distribution 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DONDRUP, Staff with Xainza Supply and Marketing Cooperative 3. various of the sales stores for fruit and vegetable distribution 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Tibetan): SHERAB GYATSO, Owner of a direct sales store STORYLINE: The Xainza County in Nagqu City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, is situated at an average elevation of 4,700 meters. Covering an area of over 25,000 square kilometers, the county has a population of only 23,000 people, among which more than 20,000 are herders. Traditionally, local herders' diet relies on meat and tea, lacking fruits and vegetables, due to the region's high altitude and remoteness. To address this, the local authorities initiated a pilot project in 2019, ensuring the delivery o

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

(231111) -- GUIYANG, Nov. 11, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A worker makes preserved Cili fruit at a cooperative in Chaxiang Village of Longli County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 1, 2023. Cili (Rosa roxburghii), meaning "thorn pear" in Chinese, is a yellowish, spiny fruit renowned for its rich vitamin C content and various nutritional benefits. This distinctive fruit is a hallmark produce of the mountainous regions in southwest China's Guizhou. Currently, the Cili production stands as a key driver in promoting rural revitalization in Longli County, Guizhou Province. The county's Cili cultivation area has expanded to 105,000 mu (7,000 hectares), yielding an annual output of 16,000 tons of fresh fruit. The comprehensive output value exceeds 400 million yuan (approximately 54.87 million U.S. dollars), significantly contributing to the income growth of the over 8,000 local farmers. Meanwhile in the semi-arid parts of Mexico, another kind of throny fruit also brings profits to local farmers. The prickly pear

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

(231111) -- GUIYANG, Nov. 11, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A farmer dries preserved Cili fruits at a cooperative in Chaxiang Village of Longli County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 1, 2023. Cili (Rosa roxburghii), meaning "thorn pear" in Chinese, is a yellowish, spiny fruit renowned for its rich vitamin C content and various nutritional benefits. This distinctive fruit is a hallmark produce of the mountainous regions in southwest China's Guizhou. Currently, the Cili production stands as a key driver in promoting rural revitalization in Longli County, Guizhou Province. The county's Cili cultivation area has expanded to 105,000 mu (7,000 hectares), yielding an annual output of 16,000 tons of fresh fruit. The comprehensive output value exceeds 400 million yuan (approximately 54.87 million U.S. dollars), significantly contributing to the income growth of the over 8,000 local farmers. Meanwhile in the semi-arid parts of Mexico, another kind of throny fruit also brings profits to local farmers. The prickly pear

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

CHINA-GUIZHOU-MEXICO-CILI-PRICKLY PEAR-ECONOMY (CN)

(231111) -- GUIYANG, Nov. 11, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A farmer washes Cili fruits at a cooperative in Gujiao Town of Longli County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 18, 2021. Cili (Rosa roxburghii), meaning "thorn pear" in Chinese, is a yellowish, spiny fruit renowned for its rich vitamin C content and various nutritional benefits. This distinctive fruit is a hallmark produce of the mountainous regions in southwest China's Guizhou. Currently, the Cili production stands as a key driver in promoting rural revitalization in Longli County, Guizhou Province. The county's Cili cultivation area has expanded to 105,000 mu (7,000 hectares), yielding an annual output of 16,000 tons of fresh fruit. The comprehensive output value exceeds 400 million yuan (approximately 54.87 million U.S. dollars), significantly contributing to the income growth of the over 8,000 local farmers. Meanwhile in the semi-arid parts of Mexico, another kind of throny fruit also brings profits to local farmers. The prickly pear cactus is a p

Japan PM Kishida treated to watermelon

Japan PM Kishida treated to watermelon

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida eats watermelon produced in Tottori Prefecture at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 30, 2023, as he is treated to the fruit during a courtesy call by officials of the western Japan prefecture division of the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations.