Greenhouse growers in Slovakia halt tomato production

Many Slovak growers are restricting or completely stopping tomato production during winter. High energy prices have forced them to turn off the heating needed for greenhouse cultivation. The largest resulting losses are expected early next year. To cover their expenses, farmers managed to double the price per kilo. In previous seasons, one out of every three tomatoes sold in Slovakia was grown domestically. Now, because of the sharp increase in energy bills, the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture and Food (SPPK) expects the prices of all vegetables, including tomatoes, to rise by 20 to 30 percent. Last year heating expenses for agricultural greenhouses were €60,000 per hectare this year the estimate is €400,000 per ...