On Saturday, March 28, Savoie is facing an episode of particularly feared frost, with temperatures dropping to -4°C. After an unusually mild winter, vegetation has advanced, making flowers and young fruits very vulnerable.
Faced with this major agricultural risk, the prefecture of Savoie has exceptionally authorized the burning of vegetation between March 26 and 30, during the coldest nights. This measure is strictly regulated and aimed at protecting the most exposed crops.
In orchards, fruit growers are using various methods to fight against the frost: sprinkling water to create an ice protection, heating candles, or anti-frost towers. These are effective but costly and demanding devices, urgently mobilized to limit losses.
Despite these efforts, the risks remain high. From -1°C to -2°C, flowers can be damaged, compromising part or even the entirety of the harvest.
This episode illustrates a new reality for farmers, with advanced vegetation cycles followed by abrupt cold returns. The coming days will be decisive in assessing the extent of the damage.
