The start of the melon season may eventually be delayed due to the cold weather conditions. The temperatures and rainy weather have also affected open ground strawberries.
Other crops affected by the unusually cold weather in May include open ground peppers and sweet corn. Its actual impact has not yet been determined, but it is certainly not a national phenomenon, according to Mr Ledó Ferenc, head of the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Interprofessional Organisation (FruitVeB).
More accurate reports are expected in a few days; however, it is almost certain that most of the open ground strawberries have been affected by the rain, despite the protective measures set up by their growers. In any case, since two-thirds of the strawberries currently grown in Hungary are under cover, the volume and quality of the strawberries will be enough to cover the market needs. Because of the cold weather, it may take longer than usual for the strawberry season to start, which could also have an impact on prices.
