The Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture has approached the National Crisis Management Center seeking a state of emergency due to spring frost damage. According to Lithuanian public broadcaster LRT, up to 70–80% of the fruit and berry harvest suffered, with some areas seeing total loss.
Fruit-forming crops and flowering gardens experienced adverse effects. The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service identified this spring's frosts, occurring from April to May 2025, as an exceptional meteorological event. "Taking into account the information received from municipalities about crops damaged or destroyed by frost, as well as the fact that two municipalities (Lazdijai and Vilkaviškis) have already declared a state of emergency at the municipal level, the ministry is initiating further action at the national level, proposing to declare a state of emergency at the state level," stated the ministry.
Agriculture Minister Ignas Hoffmann has sought assistance from the European Commission, addressing the need for support from the EU's Agricultural Reserve. A nationwide emergency declaration could pave the way for state and European backing to mitigate financial setbacks for impacted growers.
Spring frost led to a greater than 50% loss in cherry yield, with forecasts indicating escalating prices in 2025. Ukrainian strawberry prices have dipped by 35% but may rebound due to these sectoral losses.
Source: Liga