In view of the unfavorable weather conditions in spring and summer, Germany’s fruit growers are expecting a below-average apple harvest this year. A drop of 17 percent to around 889,000 tons is expected compared to the high-yield previous year, according to an initial estimate by the Federal Statistical Office. Compared to the ten-year average, this year’s apple harvest is likely to be 92,000 tons or 9.4 percent lower.
The wet, cold weather at the time of flowering had a negative impact on pollination and caused frost damage in some cases, the authority explained. Heat and drought in early summer would also have promoted sunburn and drought stress.
Apples are the most harvested tree fruit in Germany and this year they are grown on an area of almost 33,000 hectares. The most important areas are on Lake Constance in Baden-Württemberg, in Lower Saxony (Altes Land) and in Saxony. More than two thirds of all apples in Germany are harvested there.
According to forecasts, the plum and damson harvest will be better. At a good 45,100 tons, it is expected to be 3.7 percent below the high-yield previous year. Yield fluctuations are normal with this type of tree fruit. A year with a high fruit load is usually followed by a less productive harvest year. Compared to the ten-year average of around 45,500 tons, this year’s harvest is only around 400 tons (0.9 percent) lower, according to initial estimates.
