Production of organic apples in Europe decreases 15%

The European harvest of organic apples will be 15% smaller than last year, due to frost and poor flowering due to bad weather conditions. Rising demand could exceed available supply, as discussed at the European Organic Fruit Forum (EBF) general assembly in June. This meeting also highlighted the increase in production costs, which have risen about 25 cents per kilo in the last three years.

 

In some regions, where preventive measures such as night irrigation and anti-hail nets were implemented, stable yields are expected. The EBF underlined the importance of protecting crops against extreme weather events and recommended that public authorities finance these investments.

 

Representatives from different organic fruit regions in Europe shared the substantial increase in the production costs of organic apples. These increases are attributable to the increase in the minimum wage, energy prices, mechanization costs and the planting of new varieties, severely affecting the profitability of fruit growers.

 

Production costs have increased by about 25 cents per kilo, and, with compensation for inflation, producers face a decrease of almost 30 cents per kilo in their turnover. As a result, many are suffering from liquidity problems. In an emotional debate, it was highlighted that these increases are not being reflected in market prices, which makes another year without adjustments unsustainable.

 

 

 

 

 

source: nfofruit.nl