Two days in a row, May 19 and 20, a hailstorm damaged crops in the Styrian districts Weiz, Hartberg-Furstenfeld, Südoststeiermark and Graz. A total of 2,500 hectares was severely damaged, in particular, fruit crops (strawberries, plums, apples, pears), vegetables and field crops (corn and squash). After the first surveys by the Austrian hail insurance the total damage is estimated at 1.5 million Euros. The farmers are asked to report their damage online at www.hagel.at so that the assessment of the damage can begin immediately, because a rapid payment is a top priority, states the hail insurance.
Hail hits farmers hard
"Following the devastating drought in 2013 and last years’ floods and hailstorms, the damage has an enormous psychological effect on the affected farmers," says Maria Pein, the Vice President of the Agriculture Chamber. She recommends an insurance to avoid or mitigate such disasters. The State subsidizes the insurance premium with 5.1 million Euros states the Agricultural Minister Johann Seitinger. Both Seitinger and Pein agree that in the long term it is necessary to take climate action seriously.
Source: www.besseres-obst.at