Weather knockout in orchards. Why have harvests dropped so dramatically?

This year's total tree fruit harvest is expected to amount to approximately 3.4 million tons. This means a huge drop of as much as 18.6%. compared to last year. This situation is mainly due to the weather, which did not spare growers this season.

The Central Statistical Office indicates three main anomalies:

disastrous spring frosts during the flowering period;

long-term, severe rainfall deficiency;

record heatwaves in late June.

Although the July rains slightly improved the condition of the plants, it was too late to save the yield.

A worst-case scenario for apple and raspberry lovers

The biggest decline can be seen in the fruit segment, which Poles buy most willingly. Apple production will drop by nearly one fifth (19.5% year-on-year) and will amount to just under 3.1 million tons.

The situation on berry plantations is also very bad, with a total decline estimated at 6.5%. (up to 458 thousand tons). Raspberry growers are experiencing a real tragedy - the harvest is expected to decline by as much as 23%. (up to 60.9 thousand tons). Much still depends on the autumn varieties, but the losses are already enormous.

What do the declines look like for other species?

Cherries: drop by 16.6%. (48.6 thousand tons),

pears: decrease by 14.4 percent (67.4 thousand tons),

cherries: decrease by 10.8 percent (125.8 thousand tons),

strawberries: down 6.2%. (141.2 thousand tons),

highbush blueberries: decrease by 4.7%. (61.6 thousand tons).

Currant phenomenon. The only winner this season

In the flood of disastrous information from the agricultural market, one positive note appeared. The only group of fruit that has withstood this year's weather anomalies are currants.