Growers in Slovakia suspend tomato cultivation because of high energy prices

Many Slovak growers limit or stop growing tomatoes in winter. Due to the high energy prices, they are forced to shut down the heating that is needed for greenhouse cultivation in the winter. The largest shortfalls are expected early next year. To cover their costs, the growers should have doubled the price per kilogram. In previous winter seasons, one in three tomatoes sold in Slovakia was grown domestically. Now, given the sharp rise in energy bills, the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber (SPPK) expects prices of all vegetables, including tomatoes, to rise by 20 to 30 percent. Last year the heating costs for greenhouses amounted to 60,000 euros per hectare; this year they are expected to reach 400,000 euros per hectare. If energy prices do not fall, ...