Agrana postpones start of sugar beet processing

The extensive flooding is also having an impact on the sugar beet harvest. The weather situation does not currently allow for a sugar beet harvest, according to the domestic fruit, starch and sugar company Agrana, Therefore, the start of the sugar beet campaign, originally planned for this week, will be postponed by at least a week, Agrana spokesman Markus Simak told APA.

During the so-called “beet campaign,” the sugar factories process the beets into sugar in autumn and winter. At the Agrana sugar factory in Tulln, there is water ingress at several points on the factory premises, but the situation is “currently under control,” said the Agrana spokesman. At the Leopoldsdorf sugar factory in Marchfeld, according to Agrana, there are “currently no weather-related restrictions.”

Agricultural damage “not yet estimable”

The extensive flooding in parts of Austria has had a massive impact on agriculture. However, according to the President of the Chamber of Agriculture, Josef Moosbrugger, the damage to the area cannot yet be estimated. It will depend on how long the crops were under water and when the areas will be accessible again.

Crops such as oil pumpkins, soybeans, corn and grassland were particularly affected, the hail insurance company said in response to an APA inquiry. There was also damage to corn crops due to strong storms, especially in Styria.

Winemakers also “more than required”

According to the Chamber of Agriculture, it will take some time for freshly sown crops such as rapeseed or specialty crops to show whether the seeds or seedlings have survived the flood. Winegrowers are also “more than challenged to get the late varieties into the cellar in good condition,” says Moosbrugger. In addition, there is damage to the infrastructure in agriculture and forestry, and cellars and stables have been partially flooded.