- Farmers' Association expects reduced apple harvest
The Hessian Farmers' Association expects a restricted apple harvest this year. "The outlook is mixed, as the harvest will be completely different," says Esther Wernien, agricultural scientist at the association. "The crucial factor is whether you had frost or not, as that will determine the yield this year." Some farms may have a fairly normal harvest, while for others, frost could lead to a complete loss.
The main problem was the late frost at the end of April, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus seven degrees. "This has devastated some crops." For farmers, a key factor was the location of their trees and whether they could protect them from the icy temperatures.
"Frost later in the season is a big problem," says Wernien. Even within a single community, the harvest can vary greatly, depending on whether the trees are in valleys with a cooler microclimate or further up the slope. In the light valleys, there has been significant damage, with " hardly an apple left on the trees." Furthermore, it is not always possible to protect against frost. Such protective measures are usually carried out by artificial irrigation, which creates an ice layer to protect the developing fruit.
Another factor this year is the persistent and recurring rain, which ultimately promotes fungal diseases. "Apple scab can be an issue in some places."
The amount of apples will likely be lower
And what about the market situation for the upcoming harvest? "There will still be apples to buy, including German and regional ones, but the quantity will likely be lower," she says. This could potentially lead to higher prices.
The harvest of early varieties has already begun in Hesse. According to the Statistical Office of Hesse from 2022, half of the fruit-growing area in Hesse is planted with apple trees.
The frost in Hessen at the end of April significantly affected apple farms, potentially leading to a decrease in yield for some. Despite this, the Hessian Farmers' Association expects apples from the early varieties to be harvested.
