Parts of Europe recently suffered extreme weather, resulting in flooding. This affected the agricultural sector. Vegebe, the Belgian vegetable processors federation, is very concerned. "It's hard to estimate how many hectares of vegetables were lost. But the damage is considerable. Peas, broad beans, and green beans have been particularly hard hit," says Christophe Vermeulen, Vegebe's acting secretary.
The storms in the east and south-east of Belgium have affected vegetable sowing and harvesting. "It rained heavily - up to 200 liters per m2. So, entire plots were washed away. Others, like those growing peas, were so wet, they're impossible to harvest. These plots are also lost."
The sector is already facing a combination of negative factors. Last spring was very wet. The bean sowing schedule, therefore, had to be adjusted. Sowing was considerably delayed. So, there are fears of lower yields for what went into the ground late. Seed disinfection and crop protection agents have also been banned. That will also seriously impact crops and yields.
“We'll be following the situation closely. And we'll map put how much of the harvest has been lost. However, for some regions, it's already clear that things are looking anything but good," Christophe concludes.
For more information:
Christophe Vermeulen
FVPHouse
Tel: +32 (0) 933 91 249
Mob: +32 (0) 479 528 102
Email: christophe.vermeulen@fvphouse.be
Website: www.fvphouse.be