The bad weather conditions this winter have had major consequences for the agricultural production in Northern France. In Nord and Pas-de-Calais, 22ha of chicory, 250 ha of carrots and 1,500 ha of potatoes were lost.
Potato growers suffered most from the bad weather conditions. Around 1,500ha have not been able to be harvested. As far as seed potato is concerned, 120ha, including the Normandy region, were not harvested. The losses will increase as parties may be refused.
McCain has indicated that it will stock up at high prices to cover the unharvested amounts. Gappi, McCain's producers union, submitted a solidarity plan to its members at the general meeting on the 7th of February. "It will be financed by the producers thanks to their contributions of 10€/ha for the area under contract," says president Eric Delacour. The plan could offer help of around 600€ per 150ha under contract that has not been harvested.
At the moment the farmers have already received 1 million Euro, less the premium on the agricultural insurance from the Ministry of Agriculture. The State is also taking on part of the ground tax and the Ministry of Agriculture, 500,000 for the loan interest.
The regional entrepreneurs bond of Nord-Pas-de-Clais and Picaridy estimates that fourteen businesses are in trouble due to the bad weather conditions. Four of them were deeply affected. The total loss four these fourteen companies is over 700,000 Euro. The entrepreneurs have asked for help to save their companies.
