Frost continues to wreak havoc in the fields.
Asked about Sud Radio, the Minister of Agriculture gave some details on the extent of the disaster, indicating that the very high temperature amplitude observed in recent weeks had “
shattered nature, the plants, the vines
”.
The cold snap did as much damage as a fire covering "
hundreds of thousands of hectares, which, suddenly, all at once, devastated everything
", regretted Julien Denormandie.
To read also: Is the frost episode "the worst agronomic disaster of the beginning of the 21st century?"
In some departments, such as Drôme and Ardèche, losses reach “
90% to 100%
” of fruit production, for example for apricots and cherries, the minister noted, qualifying this event as “
disaster
”.
Ayrault viticulture has been "
devastated
", and the finding is also worrying across the country: only two areas - Alsace and Charente - have not been affected.
10% of beet production has been lost, or about 40,000 hectares, added the minister.
Figures which show "
how it was an episode of extreme violence
" and which continues at this time.
Julien Denormandie is not optimistic for the days to come: “
in many sectors, there is no hope
” of seeing the trees and crops pick up again, after this episode.
In viticulture, a few buds may start again.
The field crop can sow again, but by postponing the sowing date, which will have a "
huge impact
" on the crops.
To read also: "We meet in the morning on our farms, with tears in our eyes ..." After the frost, the winegrowers heal their wounds
The "
exceptional fund
" of aid should be "
put in place in June-July,
" said the minister, who recalled that certain short-term mechanisms were already activated.
Aid will have to remain active for a while, with the affected production being that which was due to be sold in 2022, in some cases.
The productions should therefore be less important this year, "
for sure
", and consumers will see it, warned the minister again.
This agronomic disaster will have an effect on the volumes, and therefore on the price of foodstuffs, but buyers must be there: “
the best way to support our farmers is to trust them and to choose the right ingredients. products of the territories
”, pleaded the Minister, adding that“
each consumer has a role to play
”.
The minister has not, moreover, not confirmed the figure of 2 billion euros of losses in viticulture reported by professionals.
The total cost of the disaster will only be known in a few days and it is expected to be higher.
