US agriculture authorities in Greece report that snow storms and low temperatures have caused crop damage in major producing regions.
Some 500,000 tonnes of oranges have been destroyed: roughly half the country's estimated crop, and nearly a third of the lemon harvest is reported lost. Kiwi fruit and grape vines are also believed to have suffered damage although this has not been quantified yet. Field vegetables such as spinach have also suffered heavy losses and even glasshouse crops in the Attica area and on Crete.
Greek authorities estimate that compensation to citrus farmers will run to ?24million and for other crops to ?7million. Growers are bracing themselves for further damage from floods caused by melting snow.
Oranges account for 85.3 per cent of Greek citrus production. The main markets are Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavian and eastern European countries. The UK has lost some ground to these destinations in recent seasons. The main varieties are Navel, Navelina and Valencia Late.
