April frosts have impacted orchards across Hungary, as highlighted by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (HCA). Night frosts from April 6 to 9 resulted in temperature drops below minus 2 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing minus 4 to minus 6 degrees Celsius. This affected flowering crops such as apricots, almonds, peaches, cherries, sour cherries, and plums. The HCA notes that protection measures have not prevented damage.
The Ministry of Agriculture emphasizes the role of the agricultural compensation scheme in mitigating frost damage. Farmers must report damage within fifteen days, with a final deadline of May 31. Electronic damage declarations should be submitted to the agricultural damage assessment body to qualify for future compensation, provided other aid conditions are met. The HCA offers support in filing claims.
Frost damage is linked to climate-induced weather changes, as Agrárágazat notes. The Carpathian Basin's average temperature is rising faster than the global average, leading to milder winters and earlier bud break. Arctic cold snaps in March and April then damage these early buds and flowers. The annual mean temperature recently increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius.
This trend is expected to persist, with the last spring frost date shifting over decades. Producers of apricots, cherries, sour cherries, grapes, and apples must adopt new adaptation strategies. Simulations predict yield reductions of 85-90% by 2050-2060 due to spring frosts.
Source: Hungary Today
