Heavy rain leads to field devastation in Latgale, Latvia
**Heavy Rains and Flooding Affect Farmers in Latvia**
Unusual weather patterns have hit Latvia hard this May, with two months' worth of rain falling in just one month. This deluge has wreaked havoc on the country's farmers, particularly in the eastern regions such as Latgale.
The heavy rains have caused significant crop damage, with potato growers bearing the brunt of the impact. Those who have already planted their potatoes are concerned about seed damage due to the excessive moisture, while those who waited may find themselves in a fortunate position. However, it is too early to discuss claims for compensation for the damage caused by the rain, as the extent of the damage is not yet known or assessed.
Seeds that are washed out and taken away due to the excessive moisture are not covered by insurance. This means that farmers like Guntars Bartkevičs, one of the largest farmers in the Latvian-Russian border region, may not be able to claim for the loss of their crops. Mr. Bartkevičs, who has almost all of his agricultural land drained and his crops insured, finds himself in an unfortunate situation where the damage is not covered by insurance.
Water levels in rivers have risen due to the heavy rainfall, causing flooding of fields and low-lying areas. In the Madonna area alone, there are 5,000 hectares of land intended for sowing, and 4,500 hectares have been sown, some of which have been flooded. Approximately 200-300 hectares of crops have been identified where nothing will grow due to the excessive moisture and lack of oxygen. The prolonged rains have also washed away mineral fertilisers from the fields and delayed the sowing of winter crops, potentially causing delays in fodder preparation.
Gunārs Andersons, a potato grower, plans to plant only 20 tonnes of potatoes this year due to the current conditions. He joins the ranks of many farmers who are facing reduced yields and increased costs due to the heavy rains.
Ivo Danče, representative of the insurance company BTA, has stated that they have received a total of 47 claims for winter crop damage and have paid out half a million euros. However, it is unclear how many of these claims are related to the recent floods and heavy rains.
The heavy rains this spring have mainly affected the central and eastern parts of Latvia, particularly the Daugavpils area, where three months' worth of rain fell. This has caused widespread flooding and crop damage, and the full extent of the impact is still being assessed.
For farmers in Latvia who have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding, there are potential sources of support. Many governments provide financial assistance to farmers affected by natural disasters, and some countries offer agricultural insurance programs that cover crop failure or livestock loss due to natural disasters. For countries in the European Union like Latvia, there may be opportunities for compensation through EU agricultural policies or disaster relief funds. However, specific details about the May 2022 flooding would require local news or official government announcements for precise information.
In conclusion, the heavy rains and flooding in Latvia have caused significant crop damage and financial burdens for many farmers. While there are potential sources of support available, it is important for farmers to consult local agricultural authorities or government announcements related to the May 2022 flooding event for precise information on compensation options.
In Latvia's eastern region of Latgale, harvesting EU citizens' crops has been a challenge due to the heavy rains and flooding. Despite Guntars Bartkevičs having farmland drained and insurance for his crops, his production might still be affected because seed damage is not covered by insurance.
