Ice -cold night threatens: Farmers worry about their harvest!

Ice -cold night threatens: Farmers worry about their harvest!

In the night of Friday, May 23, 2025, there is a risk of a devastating frost in parts of Germany that could have dramatic consequences for agriculture. The weather service The frost particularly affects young vines and fruit trees in sensitive stages of development that can be massively damaged or even destroyed. Expert Kathy Schrey from Wetter.net describes the massive late frost as a "catastrophe". In order to protect themselves from the destructive effects of the frost, farmers often rely on expensive frost protection measures such as burning off straw bales or using wind machines.

The first devastating effects are already becoming apparent. According to the insurance United Hagel , the damage to the wine and fruit growing areas is estimated at over 500 million euros. The frost temperatures that have been measured since last Sunday have already led to the frosting of young, fertile shoots. This could lead to a lower yield or even loss of earnings, whereby many companies have already invested considerable investments in the care of their vines during the affected time.

The damage is particularly serious for the born 2024, which is particularly at risk due to advanced vegetation to heat. Up to 90-100% of the areas are affected in various regions such as the Enzkreis in Baden and Franconia. However, the complete amount of damage is only expected in the coming days.

support for those affected

In order to help the affected fruit and winegrowers, an aid package of 46.5 million euros was promised as part of the EU agricultural reserve. This support is said to benefit companies that have suffered production and income losses. The payment could be made from the beginning of next year, provided that the EU countries agree within two weeks, as reports the Tagesschau

This financial aid is particularly important because German fruit growers expect the worst apple harvest for seven years. Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir urgently demands support for farmers and has indicated that the federal government could increase the aids by around 90 million euros.

The effects of the frost could prove to be very expensive overall, since many companies are not sufficiently insured. The insurance rate for Frost has increased, but many farmers have not completed a policy, which could increase the financial burden.

In view of the upcoming cold wave, experts warn for preventive care, as the next week could also be frosty before the summer is moving in with higher temperatures. There is therefore a lot at stake for many companies - the entire annual profit could be on the brink that critical night.