| 26 Juli 2006 | In many parts of Europe it was the hottest July on record and the hot and dry weather has been taking its toll on many farmers. In large parts of Europe the high July temperatures were accompanied by very low amounts of rainfall and farmers are expressing grave concern over the expected harvest results - both for grain and especially for potatoes. The ability to irrigate differs in various regions in Europe. After the very dry weather conditions in Denmark in the mid-seventies KMC growers took up arms against the whims of nature and thousands of irrigation systems were installed. Since then thousands more have been installed and today practically all potato growers in Denmark are able to irrigate their fields. This is very laborious work that goes on 24/7 - and it is also expensive. It does, however, assure a more staple supply of potatoes, but even in Denmark the possibility of a lower than usual potato harvest will make price increases for all potato based products unavoidable. This is still early and weather changes and therefore harvest expectations may also change. Farmers all over hope that the August weather will help the situation and that a disastrous harvest will be avoided. |
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Laborious work that goes on 24/7. |
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If the rain won’t come from above, you have to tap water from below the Danish surface. |
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