The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry recently called upon the Ministry of Defence to provide an estimate on the damage caused by the spring frost. They also called upon the Ministry of Agriculture to pass an emergency bill to help those affected, and they said they expect the government to fast-track the bill through parliament. The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry also want the government to invest more money in irrigation systems. Another issue that hasn’t been resolved yet is whether farmers should be encouraged to use central pivot irrigation or drip irrigation systems – the former use more water.

Around 1/3 of the damaged crops were insured, and crop insurance costs around 1/4 of what the crop is worth. Therefore, the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry asked insurance companies to lower their premiums.

Jernejka Drolec, Radio Slovenija; translated by D. V.