Farming activity. - Anticipated superior crop yield on farms.
Despite the rainy and chilly weather in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it's not causing significant issues for farmers. On the contrary, they're looking forward to a better harvest this year than before. The Farmers' Association of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reports that they're glad they missed the high summer temperatures and droughts that recently occurred. The wet weather has been beneficial, aiding the growth of crops like wheat, rapeseed, sugar beets, corn, and potatoes.
Nevertheless, there's a worry about an increase in fungal infections due to the rain. This could damage the quality of crops, particularly in wheat. Fungal diseases are also a concern in fruit and vegetable farming. "But everything can be managed," stated Rolf Hornig, who heads the Association for Fruit and Vegetable Growers. Organic farmers also need to deal with weeds in their fields. "The wet weather naturally favors both the crops and the weeds," mentioned Hornig. Although it's not a crisis, it's an obstacle they're attempting to overcome.
In fruit farming, the impacts of climate change are perceptible. "The fruit industry, specifically, encountered challenges during the blooming period due to the abrupt onset of vegetation growth," Hornig said. For apple farming, the major fruit crop in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the results have been damaging. Still, these effects are limited to specific regions; there could be substantial losses in those areas. Hornig anticipates a harvest smaller than the average. "We've made it through with one eye closed," he concluded.
