Fruit producers try to avoid more layoffs

Fruit producers are requesting aid from the state after April frosts destroyed their crops, otherwise they will continue in laying off their workers. "The fruit producing industry in Slovakia employs over 4,000 people. I think 10 to 15% of them have lost their jobs," said the chair of the Slovak Union of Fruit Producers Marián Varga. He also pointed that many producers are already selling part of their properties or even the entire companies. According to the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber, the state will try to compensate the losses in cooperation with the European Commission.