During the first five months of the year, Switzerland imported 20 per cent more vegetables than in 2015, 210,000 tonnes compared to 180,000 tonnes. The Union of Vegetable Cultivators reports that this is due to heavy rainfall, causing many fields to flood. This made harvesting more difficult, and replanting or resowing was not possible.
Lettuce, courgette, broccoli and organic vegetables suffered most from the rain. As a result of decreased production, it became necessary to import larger volumes. This is reflected in the prices, and especially those of cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce and chard were higher at the end of winter compared to 2015.
However, the situation is not worrisome, and if the summer weather lasts, volumes will increase again within a few weeks.
Georg Bregy, of the Swiss Fruit-Union, says the situation is more difficult for fruit cultivators. There were very few sunny hours during spring, and the sector is currently struggling with an infestation of fruit flies. Nevertheless, demand and quality have been good for the time being.