- Apple harvest in Saxony-Anhalt is poor
The state's farmers' association expects a poor apple harvest in Saxony-Anhalt this year. "The start of the apple season will mostly not bring a good harvest," a spokesman for the association said in response to a query. The late frosts at the end of May caused significant damage. Some operations have already started harvesting in the past few days.
This is also the case for the Hornemann fruit farm in the Börde district. "We have a loss of 80 percent this year, we've never had such a large loss before," said Sabine Hornemann, the owner of the farm in Sülzetal.
Nature was too early
In previous years, the damage was a maximum of 20 percent, Hornemann recalled. "Nature was simply two weeks earlier than usual this year. Frost in April is not uncommon, but this year it hit the apples at their most vulnerable stage." Other fruit varieties are also affected, with apricots having a 95 percent loss and plums at 100 percent, according to Hornemann.
Exact extent still unclear
The situation is similar on other fruit farms, according to a spokesman for the farmers' association. A small portion of the apple harvest was saved through protective measures such as protective fleece and heat sources. However, it is not yet known how much of the original cultivation area in Saxony-Anhalt can be harvested. Nevertheless, it is already clear that the harvest quantity will be significantly lower than in previous years. In 2023, 12,500 tons of apples were harvested in Saxony-Anhalt, compared to 12,200 tons the year before.
Further problems arise
In lower-lying areas, not a single apple could be harvested, said Hornemann. "There's nothing to gather there, so we don't even need to drive there." The few harvested apples are also particularly large, making them more delicate and harder to sell.
But the lack of and poor-quality harvest is not the only problem, added the farmer. "Because there were fewer fruits on the trees and it was significantly wetter than in previous years, the trees also grew unusually strongly."
Fruit growers need help
However, the poor harvest is not an immediate cause for concern for Hornemann's operation. "We are direct marketers. We will simply buy more apples, pears, and plums from colleagues this year and keep ourselves afloat that way." In contrast, operations in other regions where the harvest is poor and which only produce for trade will need help. Nationwide, a 25 percent loss is expected for the apple harvest, estimated Hornemann. "That makes a difference and will certainly also affect prices."
Due to the late frosts in May, the anticipated 'Agriculture' sector in Saxony-Anhalt will likely see a poor apple harvest, as mentioned earlier. Similarly, the Hornemann fruit farm in the Börde district has experienced a significant loss of 80% in their apple production, which is unusually high for them.
