Apple growers forecast a smaller crop this year due to the drought
Apple producers in the Republic of Moldova will harvest about 450 thousand tons of fruit this season, down by approximately 14% compared to 2023, according to the estimates of the Moldova-Fruct Association.
Also, apple exports could be 134 thousand tons this year, a volume similar to that of 2023.
The representatives of the association claim that the decrease in global apple production is caused by drought, the reduction of apple orchard areas due to deforestation and unfavourable weather conditions, as well as limited access to irrigation.
The executive director of "Moldova Fruct", Iurie Fală, said that this situation is registered both in the Republic of Moldova, but also in the European Union. Thus, according to the data of the World Association of Apples and Pears, presented at a conference that took place between August 7 and 9, the total production of apples in the European Union for 2024 is estimated at 10.2 million tons, representing a reduction of 11, 32% compared to last year and 13.58% compared to the average of the last three years.
The forecast of the apple harvest in the Republic of Moldova was developed between July 1-17, 2024, based on surveys conducted among Moldova Fruct members, information provided by regional specialists and data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, as well as the Agricultural Directorates of Briceni, Soroca and Edineț districts.
