The Austrian farmers in the region Styria are facing a huge disaster; the cold weather will lead to large crop failure.
The frost of last week caused a disaster for the fruit, wine and vegetable farmers in Styria. The below freezing temperatures have damaged the temperature-sensitive fruit so soon after blossoming in large areas. In certain regions a total loss of the crops is expected. For the fruit production alone the damages is estimated over 100 million Euros.
Several officials and an MP visited the region to check on the current situation. The MP Hans Seitinger was deeply affected by the impact of the disaster: "Natural disasters and the economic crisis have brought farmers to the edge, and now many farmers have to deal with this devastating frost!"
A local inspection on the farm of Walter Proß: Walter Proß, MP Hans Seitinger, Vice-president of the farmers association Maria Pein and farmer Andreas Proß. Photo: kk
The situation is disastrous, especially for the 2000 fruit farmers in Styria. In 2012 there was a cold snap that caused crop failure, followed by drought in 2013. And in 2014 the Russian embargo led to a trade standstill and a drop of the prices and this situation continues until today. And now the farmers have to deal with this destructive frost. "This is an exceptional situation, which has not occurred for more than 50 years." And even with the fire departments assistance to clear the hail protection nets of snow the damage was huge.
Source: neuesland.at