The apples and pears production in the Netherlands is expected to decline in 2023, according to a recent report by the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics. The report forecasts that the production of apples will decrease by 6% to 270 million kilos, while the production of pears will decrease by 10% to 332 million kilos. The decline in production is attributed to a number of factors, including unfavorable weather conditions, pests and diseases, and changes in consumer preferences. These factors have combined to create a challenging environment for both fruits’ growers in the Netherlands.
Main factors contributing in production
One of the main factors contributing to the decline in production is unfavorable weather conditions. The Netherlands experienced a hot and dry summer in 2022, which led to a reduction in the size and quality of apples and pears crops. In addition, the winter of 2022-2023 was milder than usual, which has affected the flowering and pollination of fruit trees.
Another factor contributing to the decline in production is pests and diseases. The Netherlands has been hit by a number of pests and diseases in recent years, including the brown marmorated stink bug, the spotted wing drosophila, and fire blight. These pests and diseases can cause significant damage to fruit crops, reducing yields and affecting the quality of the fruit.
Changes in consumer preferences are also contributing to the decline in production. Consumers are increasingly demanding locally grown, organic produce, which is putting pressure on Dutch growers to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. This can be challenging for growers, who may need to invest in new equipment and technology to meet these demands.
Dutch growers seek international exports
There are several causes for optimism despite these obstacles. The Dutch government has implemented a number of programs to support apples and pears growers, including subsidies for sustainable farming practices and funding for research into new varieties of fruit trees that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
Dutch growers are increasingly looking to export their produce to new markets. The Netherlands is already a major exporter of apple and pear, with over 60% of production exported to countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. However, growers are now looking to expand into new markets, such as Asia and the Middle East, where demand for high-quality fruit is growing.
To meet this demand production of apples and pears, Dutch growers are investing in new technology and equipment, such as advanced storage facilities and automated sorting and packing systems. These investments are helping growers to improve the quality of their fruit and to reduce waste, which is critical in an industry that is facing increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
