Organic farmer struggles with flooding: tomatoes underwater, future uncertain!

Organic farmer struggles with flooding: tomatoes underwater, future uncertain!

Organic farmer Felix Schickinger from Reichenbach is confronted with the devastating consequences of extreme weather conditions. The tragic outcome of 2024 shows that weeks of rain flooded its vegetable fields and polytunnels. During a visit to his farm, Schickinger reported that both he and his mother Beate were shocked by the damage left by the flood. Given these challenges, he is left without insurance or compensation for future flood events.

His tomatoes are currently thriving, but the ongoing rains have him worried about the future. The weather-related risk is not only felt in Schickinger's region, but also affects crop yields nationwide. According to a report by weekly paper dlv The German fruit harvest in 2024 is estimated at around 1.08 million tons, which is the second weakest harvest of the last decade. Only the year 2017 recorded an even smaller harvest.

Weather extremes and crop losses

The changeable and extreme weather conditions have also led to a shortage of supplies in vegetable production. Although producer prices tended to be higher than in the previous year, they were still not enough to cover rising production costs. In particular, the outdoor vegetable harvest is estimated by the AMI at 3.68 million tons, which corresponds to a decrease of over 1% compared to the previous year. The yields in greenhouse cultivation also remained behind those of 2023.

In Reichenbach and beyond, companies are struggling with the uncertainties of climate change. Despite the warmer weather in 2024, solar radiation was insufficient, further exacerbating an already tense situation. Addressing this challenge may require long-term solutions in the area of ​​agricultural practice.