Double blow for farmers as storm hits greenhouses

Tuesday's strong winds caused considerable damage to greenhouses and polytunnels, costing thousands of euros to repair or replace, farmers have reported.  

It was a double whammy for farmers in the Rabat area, who were still counting the cost of damage caused by an unusually heavy hailstorm early on Saturday.

Stephen Bartolo, who runs a farm in Rabat, told Times of Malta that three of his greenhouses were damaged.

“One of them has a huge hole in the roof. In all cases, the plastic covering the greenhouses was torn off and is flapping in the wind like a flag,” he said.

The greenhouses are used for tomatoes, marrows and aubergines. Bartolo explained that because the crops are now exposed, fungus can easily spread and damage them, rendering them unfit for sale.

“Fixing the greenhouses will cost between €3,000 and €4,000. But if I factor in the loss of crops, the total damage will be around €5,000,” he said.

A part-time farmer in Dingli said polytunnels used for strawberry crops were blown out of place. The strong winds also damaged his strawberry plants and potato crop. Polytunnels are tunnel-shaped structures covered in clear polyethene plastic, creating a mini-greenhouse to extend growing seasons and protect plants from pests and diseases.

“I have about one tumolo of land - half strawberries and half potatoes. The wind has damaged everything,” he said.

He said his crops had already been hit by a hailstorm on Saturday, and  Storm Harry destroyed what remained. He estimated the damage at around €2,500.

“We’re going to struggle this year, especially when the strawberry season comes around. We’re going to have much fewer strawberries than usual,” he said.

Other farmers reported damage in Manikata and Gudja.

Agriculture Ministry to prepare assistance scheme with the EU

The Agriculture Ministry said it was preparing to collect detailed reports of the damage suffered by farmers.

Farmers were urged to submit photos, geotagged through the Biedja Cam platform, along with details of their crop and property. Submissions have to be made between Wednesday and Friday. Inspections will be made in the following days. 

The information will be submitted to the European Commission with a view of drawing up an assistance scheme.  

Those needing assistance may phone the AgriConnect helpline on 21804981/2/4. Information about  Biedja Cam can be found here.

Nationalist MEP Peter Agius urged the government to apply for assistance from the EU’s Solidarity Fund within the next 12 weeks, saying the mechanism could help cover damage caused by the storm. He pledged to offer help from his end.