Slovak farms lose nearly 20 m euros to 2017 drought

Last year's drought in Slovakia caused losses amounting to 19.33 million euros to 96 major farming companies, Slovakia's Agricultural Chamber chair Helena Patasiova said at a press conference on Tuesday. Patasiova pointed out that apart from a loss in income, these farmers also pay taxes and deductions amounting to around 13 million euros. Meanwhile, European legislation allows member countries to provide financial compensation to farmers affected by weather-related income loss exceeding 30 percent of the average crop for the past five years, with the best and worst years not being taken into account.