Ministry representatives stated that in order to assess the impact of the spring frosts of 2024 on the fruit growing industry, an application could be submitted to the Rural Support Service (LAD) from June 10 to June 28 of this year for affected fruit growing areas. Simultaneously, the State Plant Protection Service (VAAD) and the Latvian Agricultural Consulting Center (LLKC) conducted a survey of the applied fruit growing areas until July 31, 2024.
The losses in the fruit-growing areas surveyed were calculated based on the intensity of frost damage, using the average gross coverage data from the past three years.
LLKC reported that a total of 1,512 hectares of fruit-growing areas were affected by the spring frosts, with blackcurrants comprising 48% of the affected areas, followed by apple trees (17%) and sea buckthorn (11%). Other affected fruits included blueberries, quinces, pears, and aronias.
Ministry representatives clarified that financial support will not be provided for the affected areas, as the primary purpose of the surveys was to assess the situation and quantify the damage caused by the spring frosts.
Considering the unfavorable weather conditions of the past year and the current year, it is evident that certain agricultural sectors are unable to fully mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters.
Discussions are ongoing within the Ministry of Agriculture with farmer organizations to establish a Risk Fund for agriculture, specifically targeting those sectors without access to insurance. Farmers are encouraged to actively engage in risk management strategies.