Heatwave could cause some German farmers to lose 80 percent of their crop

HAMBURG, Germany (AFP) Jul 21, 2003
German farmers, sweating like much of Europe through one of the worst heatwaves in decades, could lose up to 80 percent of their crops in some cases, the head of the German farming association said Monday.

Gerd Sonnleitner said he would call on the German government for emergency aid to help cope with the drought, with farmers in the region of Brandenburg near Berlin having already suffered 225 million euros (200 million dollars) in losses.

One sixth of farmers in the region of Saxony could have to close up shop, the regional association there said, with half of the rapeseed and rye harvest already destroyed.

Temperatures rose to near 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) on Sunday in Germany, the hottest day of the year so far.

TERRA.WIRE