Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Last year's harsh frost could mean a Europe-wide shortage of the continent's most popular Christmas tree
Last year's harsh frost could mean a Europe wide shortage of popular Christmas tree, the Nordmann Fir. Experts predict that demand across Europe will outstrip supply by around 70 million trees. The shortage in trees is reflected by the export statistics - on average Denmark and Norway export around one million Nordmann Firs to Britain each year, but according to a statement by Roger Hay of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association this year that could drop to as low as 200,000 trees.
The tree is a favorite due to its conical shape and the fact that is does not shed its needles; according to Kaj Østergaard of the Danish Christmas Tree Growers Association the Nordmann Fir accounts for 85 percent of Christmas trees in Austria and Denmark, 70 percent in Germany, 55 percent in France, 50 percent in the UK and Norway, and around 40 percent in Sweden and Poland.
The British Christmas Tree Growers Association fears that the low supply of and high demand for Nordmann Firs could lead retailers to substantially increase their prices. Around eight million Christmas trees were sold in the UK in 2010, an increase of two million from 2000.
Despite the rising cost of Nordmann Firs, a variety of other Christmas tree options is available. Tree Species provides information about the different types of Christmas trees available, as does US organization the National Christmas Tree Association. If the shortage of Christmas trees gets too severe, or shoppers want something a little more permanent, a variety of artificial Christmas trees are also available to buy online from amazon.com and other local retailers.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments