April frosts have impacted Hungarian orchards, with the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (HCA) noting the potential for partial mitigation via the agricultural compensation scheme. Unusually heavy night frosts from April 6 to 9 caused damage to flowering orchards, with temperatures dropping below minus 2 degrees Celsius. Damage must be reported within fifteen days, with a final deadline of May 31.
Apricots, almonds, peaches, cherries, sour cherries, and plums have been affected. The Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the compensation scheme as a means to partially mitigate spring frost damage. Farmers should submit electronic damage declarations to the agricultural damage assessment body to qualify for compensation, provided other aid conditions are met. The Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture offers assistance for filing claims.
Agrárágazat noted the dual impact of climate change, with the Carpathian Basin warming faster than the global average, leading to mild winters and early bud break. Arctic cold snaps in March and April damage buds and flowers. This pattern is becoming a permanent trend, with the last spring frost date shifting from April 10 to April 19 between 1970 and 1980, increasing frost likelihood.
Producers of apricots, cherries, sour cherries, grapes, and apples must develop new adaptation strategies. Some simulations predict yield reductions of 85-90% by 2050-2060 due to spring frosts.
Source: Hungary Today