French apple production is estimated to be down sharply

In France, apple production for 2021 is forecast to drop sharply, with -17% compared to the average harvest from 2016 to 2020 and -9% compared to that of 2020, which is already low. These first estimates are provisional and will have to be refined during the next forecasts.

 

According to data from the Agreste service of the Ministry of Agriculture, on July 1, 2021, French apple production is forecast at 1,200,400 tonnes, i.e. -17% compared to the average for 2016-2020 harvests and -9% over a year.

 

These forecasts remain provisional and uncertainties remain regarding the level of production which will ultimately be reached. Frost damage varied depending on the region and then rainy and windy episodes damaged the fruits in certain areas.

 

 

In the PACA region (Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur), production is estimated at -26% compared to 2020, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, production is estimated at -48%, in the Occitanie region, production is estimated at -10 % and in the Center Val de Loire region, it is estimated at -10%. On the other hand, an increase in production is expected in the Pays de la Loire (13%) and New Aquitaine (18%) regions.

 

 

Regarding varieties, national production of Golden is expected to reach 317,500 tonnes, or + 1%. For the other varieties, the production of Granny Smith is estimated at 95,300 tonnes (-16%), the production of Gala is estimated at 230,000 tonnes (-15%) and the various other varieties at 557,600 tonnes (-11% ).