It's been two weeks since the snowy cold front hit the Netherlands. Insurer, Interpolis, has since received more than 500 claims from the agricultural sector. The reports have come from all over the country. After the first valuations, the loss amount is estimated at more than €40 million. After reinsurance, Interpolis will have to pay out €25 million in damages.
Many greenhouse growers heeded the insurance agency's warning. They said to start stoking and opening screens in good time. Snow accumulated quickly in greenhouses with height differences. That was due to the drifting snow and wind.
So, some greenhouses' structures and windows were seriously damage. Crops were also sometimes lost completely or suffered considerable damage. That's because broken windows and the persistent cold led to freezing temperatures.
One of the affected greenhouses. Photo credit: Kerklaan Greenhouses & Horti Materials
Winter weather affected 1 in 8 Dutch greenhouses
Experts, special assessors, and companies are focusing first and foremost on recovery. They want to save as much produce as possible. They're consulting with the greenhouse horticulturalists and repair and construction companies in this. Last week, for example, they erected temporary walls and repaired window. That's to prevent further crop damage.
Agricultural and livestock farming sectors hit too
Interpolis received about 80 claims from the agricultural and livestock farming sector too. This damage amounted to €2 million.
Source: Interpolis