Persistent rain is severely impacting Estonia's strawberry harvest, leaving growers worried about reduced yields and significant crop losses.
Many berries are rotting due to excess moisture, leading to large portions being discarded.
"Unfortunately, there aren't too many Estonian strawberries on the market this year, which is why prices are higher than last year. The rain has done significant damage to the fields," said Janika Lindsalu, a strawberry grower from Jõgeva County who runs OÜ Marimarta with her family in the village of Koimula.
Growers report that nearly half of their crops are spoiled, with some farms throwing away as much as they harvest. The wet conditions promote gray mold, while hot weather brings spider mites, and farmers face a shortage of effective plant protection solutions.
As a result of the limited supply, strawberry prices have risen sharply compared to last year.
Read more at news.err.ee