The size of the loss will be determined more accurately in fall. The European Commission had asked EU member states to report on the current drought damage by August 30.
The ministry reported that the current hay harvests are 54% lower on average in the past three years. Grain and rape-seed harvests may be 27% lower than in the past three years, and the loss has been estimated at €137.2 million
Also, revenue from sale of fruit, berries, vegetables and potatoes this year could drop 44% or by €28.4 million compared to the average of the past three years. Latvian orchards sustained loss from spring’s frosts, heavy rains last fall.
Meanwhile, loss from fires caused by drought in forests has been estimated at €92.9 million.
