Drought Leaves Farmers Desperate

The fine weather may have delighted holiday-makers, but the searing temperatures have taken a terrible toll on Lithuania's agriculture. So much so that the government has declared a state of emergency. Last week, it emerged that the damage has stretched beyond the critical margin, with a 30% financial loss on predicted revenues.

The current state of emergency will ensure compensation for farmers, who have suffered one of the worst harvests in years. Lithuanian agricultural minister Kazimiera Prunskiene will also be seeking aid from the EU to help allay the situation. It has been estimated that the losses are not far short of 180 million Euros.