Vegetables and fruits aren’t just more expensive because of inflation

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Vegetable and fruit prices are on average 6 percent higher than a year ago. Especially eggplant and broccoli prices have increased a lot. Only a few items like fennel and lettuce have become cheaper.

Due to inflation, farmers have to pay more for energy and personnel. This situation bothers the farmers. “So far it has not been possible to fully transfer the additional costs,” says the Swiss Farmers’ Association upon request.

On the other hand, other factors also play an important role. “Price changes are highly dependent on harvest condition and quantities available, as well as weather conditions,” explains Christian Sohm (40). He is the director of Swiss Cofel, the Swiss fruit, vegetable and potato trade association.

Products from abroad are more expensive

So the weather also affects how expensive strawberries will be this summer. The season of sweet, red berries begins in June.

Basically, the prices of imported vegetables and fruits increased more than domestic products. “This is because inflation abroad is higher than in Switzerland,” says the Swiss Farmers’ Association. Inflation is currently falling again, both at home and abroad.

The question now arises as to what the weather will do this summer. Farmers can also insure themselves against storms and floods with the “Swiss Hail” insurance. But not everyone can afford it.

slight delay

“Southern Spain and Italy, for example, have experienced extreme weather changes this spring, ranging from snow to dryness and up to 40 degrees in early May,” says Sohm. In Europe, farmers tended to plant late due to high energy prices.

This is why Sohm notices delays in planting and harvesting. The farmers’ association also reported that many fieldworks are currently delayed due to rainy conditions. It is too early for a concrete assessment yet, the season has just begun.

But we don’t have to worry about running out of vegetables or fruits. Sohm explains: “If there is not enough availability in Switzerland, our system allows fruit and vegetables to be imported at any time.”

Source :Blick