Slovak vineyards frost-damaged for second year in row

Spring frosts hit Slovakia for the second consecutive year damaging grapes, as well as other crops. Losses to vineyards in Slovakia are only being estimated at the moment, but local damage reached as high as 30%, reported the Slovak Winegrowers and Winemakers Association (ZVVS) on Sunday. Last year's frosts caused a shortfall in the grape crop of around 12,000 tonnes, which was reflected in an 84,000-hectolitre shortfall in wine production. Wine production thus fell to 280,000 hectolitres last year, while the average used to be around 360,000 hectolitres. This year, vineyards had already been damaged by winter frosts, as the grapevines were greatly weakened after the previous year, stated ZVVS. Despite the huge damage, the Government has not paid any compensation to winegrowers so far. Neighbouring countries have already done so, but only fruit growers have been given money in Slovakia.