Zemgale farmers reap good vegetable harvest, but heavy rain hampers collection

Farmers in the Zemgale region have enjoyed a strong vegetable harvest this year, though this autumn's weather is making the collection process considerably more difficult. Several fields remain too waterlogged for machinery to operate.

Racing against the weather

Despite the unfavorable conditions, farmers have been working intensively this week to harvest carrots, potatoes and other vegetables, taking advantage of every window the weather allows. The urgency stems from concerns that continued rainfall could make harvesting even harder, or impossible, on some plots.

High costs, low prices

Beyond the weather-related difficulties, growers are also grappling with a significant financial burden: high production and storage costs. At the same time, purchase prices for vegetables remain relatively low, squeezing farmers' margins despite the abundant harvest.

Possible state of emergency

In response to the situation, the ruling coalition plans to discuss declaring a state of emergency in agriculture, citing the prolonged and heavy rainfall that is disrupting harvest work nationwide. The information was reported by Latvian Radio.