Gyeongsangbuk-do fires ignite fears of a costly apple season

Massive wildfires earlier this year in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea’s key apple-growing region, have damaged around 9,362 hectares — nearly 28% of the country’s total apple farmland. Areas like Cheongsong, known for premium apples, were hit hard, with scorched orchards and heat-damaged blossoms, according to local media.

Farmers warn that poor flowering could drastically cut this year’s harvest, with some predicting a 30% price surge starting July. Cold storage losses are also mounting — over 40 units were damaged, and more than 1,600 hectares were affected across five major counties.

Wholesale apple prices have already jumped 71% year-on-year, and further hikes are expected by Chuseok in October. Even surviving trees may produce low-quality fruit, and replanting could take years due to seedling shortages. Growers fear this season may bring another wave of “golden apples” — or even pricier “platinum” ones.

source: koreabizwire.com

photo: reuters.com