Interpera 2025: production and challenges on the rise

At the Interpera 2025 conference held in Hassets, Belgium, on June 25 and 26, pear industry experts discussed a number of common concerns and solutions for the future of the sector. From labor-related difficulties, to the adaptation of farming practices in the face of phytosanitary restrictions, to water management, the challenges are numerous. Added to this is the important issue of declining consumption, particularly among young people.

A resilient sector

In his opening speech, Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister of Agriculture, praised the resilience of the pear sector, while reaffirming the importance of its three pillars: research and innovation, promotion and international cooperation. As every year, representatives from the six main pear-producing countries (Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal) gave a detailed assessment of the past season. Overall, the season was satisfactory for most countries, despite persistent obstacles that are increasingly complicating production conditions.

Challenges and solutions

Orchard protection was hit hard by the loss of certain active molecules, with no effective alternatives to replace them and combat the increase in pests and diseases. Alternative biocontrol solutions are increasingly being applied. Faced with the cost of labor, and its lack of availability, the sector shows a growing interest in robotization. Water management also raises major concerns: storage remains insufficient despite rainy episodes, making availability irregular and difficult to anticipate. In response to falling consumption, particularly among young people, new varieties have been launched. The attractiveness of the pear needs to be rethought to attract new consumers.

Rising forecasts

At the second round table of the day, the six main producing countries shared their crop forecasts for the 2025-2026 season. Initial estimates should be treated with caution, as it is still too early to estimate the full production potential. Spain has announced a production increase estimated at +31% compared to 2024, when production potential was not reached. Belgium is forecasting an increase of 25%, after a downturn in the previous campaign. Portugal is hoping for stable overall volumes compared to last year. France expects a 9% drop, but an increase in surface area and the arrival of new varieties should be noted. An increase is possible in Italy, but to be confirmed later in the season, as the main Italian varieties have a late harvest. Early trends in the Netherlands point to a probable increase, following a previous campaign marked by a 10% drop.

Digital orchards and young consumers

Dany Bylemans, Managing Director of PCfruit, then presented the work of Eufrin's "Digital Orchards" working group, highlighting innovations such as the creation of twin digital orchards to simulate parameters, scenarios and constraints, as well as the potential of agrivoltaics. Presentations by Kris Jans (BelOrta) and Filip Fontaine (VLAMS) detailed consumer profiles and buying habits, highlighting the fall in pear consumption over the last 20 years. Examples of good practice in marketing and promotion were also presented, with a view to boosting consumption.

Post-harvest advances

The afternoon's technical sessions explored several key issues for the future of pear production. Ann Schenk, project manager at VCBT, gave an overview of post-harvest research, highlighting advances in fruit preservation and quality. Precision cultivation was also at the heart of the discussions, with a presentation by Peter Frans De Jong (Wageningen University), who illustrated how to move from the macro to the micro for fine management at tree level. The sanitary issue was not left out: Gianfranco Anfora (University of Trento) gave a comprehensive update on the fight against devil bugs, while Tim Beliën (PCfruit) explained how modeling can improve the positioning of control strategies against pear suckers.

Sharing for better innovation

The various technical presentations highlighted the wealth of research work in progress and its potential for practical application in the field. Faced with the climatic, economic and technical challenges discussed at Interpera, Luc Vanoirbeek, General Secretary of VBT, and Lisa Martini, Vice-President of AREFLH, agreed that "the need to meet, share and innovate together has never been greater. That's the spirit of Interpera.

For more information on harvest forecasts and solutions to the challenges facing the pear sector, please write to us here.