The Basel region is known all over Switzerland for its cherries and plums. Berries and grapes are also of great importance to the region. The exceptionally strong frost, after record high February and March temperatures, destroyed the crops.
Frost and snow on cherries - photo: BL
Catastrophic damage to special cultures
The agricultural center of Ebenrain (LZE) analysed the damage together with the Basel fruit association, the wine producers association Basel/Solothurn and the Basel farmers' associations, and discussed measures to take. "There are no marketable dessert cherries this year, we are facing a 95 percent loss of industry cherries and with apples we will reach a maximum of 25 percent of a normal harvest." says Ernst Lüthi, president of the Baselbieter Obstverband (Basel Fruit Association). "All buds in the vineyards are frozen, we expect a total loss and are also expecting damages to the grapevines." says Muttenzer wine producer, Urs Jauslin.
Ensure liquidity and compensate for work loss
"A lot has been invested in the crop, the plight of the farmers is very much affecting us," explains Ebenrain head Lukas Kilcher, "We are therefore looking for ways to help fruit and wine growers quickly and effectively."