- Apple harvests are almost nonexistent in some regions
The apple harvest in Germany this year is expected to be the lowest in seven years. Producers are anticipating a significantly below-average yield of 734,000 tonnes, according to a July estimate by the Federal Statistical Office. This would be around 22% less than last year and 26.3% below the average of the past decade.
Especially in the southeastern states like Thuringia and Saxony, late frosts caused blossoms to freeze and trees to produce a poor fruit set, the statistics office reported. Hailstorms also contributed to the problem. Heavy rainfall and frequently damp, cool weather hindered the development of the fruit later in the year. Yield losses of up to 90% are expected.
Due to the yield losses in the east, three-quarters of Germany's apple harvest this year is expected to come from the major growing regions in Baden-Württemberg (Lake Constance) and Lower Saxony (Old Land). These two states account for around 60% of Germany's total apple-growing area. Baden-Württemberg is also the only region expecting an above-average harvest of plums and damsons. Germany is expected to harvest around 37,100 tonnes of these fruits this year, significantly less than usual.
Press Release: Destatis Apple Harvest Forecast 2024
Despite the challenges in apple production due to unfavorable weather conditions, promoting sustainable agriculture practices could potentially improve future yields. The importance of diversifying crops in German agriculture, such as focusing on plums and damsons in regions like Baden-Württemberg, cannot be overstated.
