Dry weather spell threatens Swiss veggies

The pleasant weather enjoyed by Switzerland might have been a boon for most people, but vegetable producers say it will push up the prices of carrots, broccoli, fennel and other produce.

According to the Swiss daily 20 Minuten, some seeds are being damaged by the lack of rain and estimates indicate that the yield this year will be lower than usual.

The 3,300 arable farms in Switzerland produce around 250,000 tonnes of fresh vegetables, mainly carrots, onions, tomatoes and lettuce.

The consequence for consumers is likely to be a spike in vegetable prices. “If the good weather persists, prices will go up in ten days,” Monika Weibel, a spokeswoman for Migros, a local supermarket chain, was quoted as saying by the paper. 

However, other experts say there’s no reason to panic.

Beat Stierli, the director of the Association of Vegetable Growers VSGP told 20 Minuten that good weather provides for optimal growing conditions for some types of crop, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. He also added that favourable conditions have allowed the asparagus season to start earlier than usual.