Latvian vegetable growers report one of the most difficult years in recent memory, with rainy and cool weather reducing harvests by half in some regions and leaving some farms with no yield at all. According to Zemgale Regional Television, crops such as potatoes and pumpkins have been heavily affected, and vegetables destined for storage are deteriorating quickly due to disease pressure.
"Potatoes coming from the field are currently being loaded into storage here. Last year, the total production was close to three thousand tonnes. If this year there are one thousand five hundred tonnes, I will be happy," said Ivars Pundiņš, Chairman of the Board of Baldones lauki Ltd.
Pundiņš, who plants around 80 hectares of potatoes annually, estimated losses of about €200,000 (US$215,000). He added, "I very much hope that this year's price will be higher than in previous years; otherwise, it will be very difficult for us potato growers and vegetable growers to survive. And if this year is already a year with a big minus, then every year after that will be more difficult."
In Kurzeme, the largest pumpkin farm, Kliblapsas, expects to harvest only a third of its 50 hectares. "The pumpkin is like this, if it gets stressed and hasn't had a seedling all year, then in September it looks like this - like the whole field is in full bloom. If there's any crop in the field, it doesn't do that!" explained farm owner Ilze Venterzute.
Vegetables will continue to be harvested until November, but losses are already widespread, especially on land that has remained underwater for long periods, leading to rot.
"Most vegetables are infected with disease agents in wet weather, which will contribute to spoilage in storage. We assume that for this reason, the price of many vegetables will fall in autumn, as many growers will not want to store their vegetables because they will spoil quickly," said Elīza Ilze Malceniece, board member of Farmers' Saeima.
Growers interviewed stated that they do not plan to request state support, instead hoping that next year will bring improved conditions.
Source: LSM+