Icy Temperatures Descend - The government has promised assistance to struggling fruit farmers.
The government of Thuringia has announced emergency financial assistance to apple farmers who suffered considerable losses this year due to a sprung frost on the last night of April. To kickstart the aid, two million euros will be allocated from the state budget for these farms. Agriculture Minister Susanna Karawanskij and Minister President Bodo Ramelow (both from the left party) made this announcement during a visit to the apple-growing region of Fahner Height in Gierstadt (Gotha district).
Karawanskij mentioned that immediate relief is needed this year, and the funds for this purpose will be taken from her budget. Nevertheless, it's equally crucial to implement preventive measures for next year. Axel Swoboda, the manager of an apple farm in Kindelbrück (Sömmerda district) and the head of the fruit growing workgroup, estimated the overall financial damage of the farms in Thuringia at 7.3 million euros. This estimate was based on approximately 20,000 tons of lost apples, 1,200 tons of ruined cherries, and a near-total failure of plums.
Experts suggest that many fruit growing farms, which are usually managed by young people following a generational change, could face bankruptcy by October if no government aid is provided. The more significant growing areas are generally situated near Gierstadt, Kindelbrück, Schmölln, and Jena.
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Susanna Karawanskij, the Agriculture Minister in Thuringia's left party-led government, emphasized the need for immediate help for apple farmers affected by frost damage. This assistance is part of Bodo Ramelow's promise to provide relief to struggling fruit farmers in the region. Axel Swoboda, an apple farm manager in Kindelbrück and leader of the fruit growing workgroup, stated that the overall financial loss for fruit farms in Thuringia is estimated at 7.3 million euros due to the frost.
