Frost damage to winegrowers and fruit growers: Minister gives details of aid

From Tobias Winzer

Following the massive frost damage suffered by Saxony's fruit and wine growers, Saxony's Minister of Agriculture Wolfram Günther (Greens) provided further details on aid payments for the affected farmers. His ministry is working with other departments to examine the possible support options. "We are aiming for a cabinet decision on this in the coming weeks," it said in a statement sent out after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

At the same time, he said, they were coordinating with other affected federal states about the damage expected there and any aid programs the states might be able to offer. "A corresponding overview could form the basis for requests for support from the federal government."

Günther did not give any concrete figures on the amount of damage. The economic damage caused by the frost could not yet be quantified, he said. After the frosty nights in April, Saxony's winegrowers had spoke of a loss of 15 million eurosThe fruit growers had the amount of damage to stone fruit alone estimated at a total of 50 to 70 million euros. Günther spoke of "huge" losses on Tuesday. "This is a catastrophic situation for the companies. But it is also clear that we stand by those affected. Viticulture and fruit growing belong in Saxony. They bring wages and bread, they shape cultural landscapes, they stand for regionality. "

Sub-zero temperatures meet advanced vegetation

During the night of April 23rd, Saxony's fruit and wine-growing regions experienced widespread late frosts lasting several hours with temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius near the ground.

These low temperatures would have led to significant damage even with averagely developed vegetation. Above all, however, they encountered extremely advanced vegetation in April. For example, the apple blossom in Dresden-Pillnitz began earlier than ever before since data collection began.

While closed flower buds are relatively well protected against frost, depending on their stage of development, even low temperatures below freezing can damage open flowers and young fruit. The same applies to the young shoots of the vine.