Massive frost damage hits businesses hard

Rapid, unbureaucratic help important - measures for the prevention of potential future damage should be considered.

The damage of the cold snap at the end of April is massive. Especially for the agriculture, many farms have to consider a complete loss of the harvest. Bio Austria-chairwoman Gertraud Grabmann and Bio Ernte chairman Herbert Kain and Harvest-GF Josef Renner visited affected farmers in Styria and promised the support of the associations to cope with the difficult situation. Bio Austria-chairwoman Gertraud Grabmann emphasizes: “Bio Austria is a community and we look out for each other. This is an extraordinary and dramatic situation for those affected, occupies everybody in the association. It is important for us to convey to the members that they can always contact Bio Austria, on country or federal level. The financial support - from the Disaster Fund - is very important, but only a part of what is needed in such situations. Because it is also very important to show to the affected farmers that they are not alone."

“The payment of financial support from the Disaster Fund is a priority; it should be approved quickly and without the red tape. There must be a clear political will and consensus with all parties to take the necessary measures on federal level and as soon as possible,” continues Grabmann.

Furthermore, it is necessary to consider countrywide solutions that mitigate the consequences of the disaster, adds Grabmann. An example is the frost protection of irrigation water. “In many cases these installations could have decreased or prevented the damage,” explains Bio Ernte chairman Herbert Kain. Investing in these installations is without adequate funding not feasible for farmers. And a countrywide solution should be found. "And some procedures often take too long and if the result is negative, the farms can’t find an alternative. So another year’s harvest runs the risk of potential frost damage and the farmer is exposed to the risk of a total loss of the crops," says Harvest-GF CEO Josef Renner.

“Bio Austria will try, as a large family of organic farmers, to the exchange the necessary products from less affected areas. Solidarity is key for organic farmers, so we are confident that we can find individual solutions,” concludes Gertraud Grabmann.

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