The harvest of green peppers began at the beginning of June. The first batches of Polish red pepper are also appearing on the market. Polish pepper producers expect smaller harvests than in previous years. They estimate that there will be ca 30% less vegetables on the market. High humidity, which persists for the second week, additionally causes very strong intensification of fungal diseases in tunnels.
Pepper producers noted that even 80% farms might be affected by heavy rain. There is a lot of flooding. After a heavy rainfall, water approached the plastic tunnels and poured inside. Situations worsened rainfall from mid-last week. Soil cultivation of other vegetables - peppers, cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkin also suffered very much.
In spring, there was a fear of a coronavirus pandemic and fear about food deliveries for everyone, but after a good, fertile season there were enough vegetables in storages. This year, the summer can be extremely rainy, which means it the quality of peppers will be poor and result in high prices. There will be no overproduction of vegetables. Next year, vegetable prices may reach high values in the Spring.
Poland is the second biggest producer of pepper in Europe (after Spain). 90% of the production is located in Mazowieckie region.
Source: Agroberichtenbuitenland