Farming challenges in Iceland due to wet summer impact crop production

Farming in Iceland is facing significant challenges due to a wet and sunless summer, leading to difficult conditions for crop cultivation across many regions. Farmers who focus on grain and potato production are hoping for frost-free weather in the coming weeks, yet many anticipate a disappointing harvest.

In western Iceland, fields appear somewhat green, but growth has been slow. Farmer Eiríkur Blöndal in Bæjarsveit is eager for warmer weather to allow his grain to mature fully, as frost delayed planting this spring. While he notes that the crop looks relatively good with minimal weeds, it lacks the yellowing expected at this time, which is necessary for harvesting.

Farmers in other regions are facing similar issues. Potato farmers have also struggled to get seeds into the ground on time, leading to delays in obtaining fresh potatoes from local stores.

In areas like Eyjafjörður, some potato fields are still covered in snow, leaving farmers racing to harvest what they can. Björgvin Helgason, a potato farmer, expressed concern as he is typically well underway with harvesting at this time of year. The wet soil complicates the harvesting process, necessitating quick work to secure crops in storage before frost arrives.

Despite these hardships, there remains a possibility of a reasonable harvest if frost holds off for the next couple of weeks. However, the cold June and severe winter-like weather disrupted spring activities for most farms, leading to significant vegetable losses in some areas.