Brussels, 19/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - The impact of torrential rain in the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, and poor weather conditions in other European regions, including parts of France and Italy, is expected to have a very negative effect on the agricultural sector in the EU.
COPA-COGECA is attempting to assess the extent of the damage. In Germany, much of Bavaria and Lower Saxony has been affected, with around 800 farms flooded and damage estimated at €400 million.
In Austria, 15,000 hectares (ha) of arable land and 1,000 ha of land used for growing fruit and vegetables and vineyards have been affected.
In the Czech Republic, arable land, pastures and hop growing fields have been hit hard, with estimated damage of €61 million. 15-20% of vegetable production has been lost.
In some parts of Italy, serious losses have been recorded, with estimated damage standing at around €1 billion. In Umbria, significant losses in terms of quantity and quality of fodder have been reported, as well as sharp falls of 30-40% in the different regions for wheat, barley and oats. Similarly dramatic consequences have been predicted for maize and sunflower production. Serious floods have also had an impact on crops in a number of French regions, with harvests being delayed in other countries.
In the United Kingdom, this will be the first year when wheat has been imported. Better crop conditions there, however, have been observed from mid-May and have allowed wheat crops to catch up on the delays suffered in May, following late sowing. Nonetheless, delays of 10-14 days compared to normal, have been reported. More than 30,000 sheep were also lost during the winter. In Ireland, the fodder crisis has cost millions. (LC/transl.fl)