Apple crisis in Germany: Poor harvest prompts calls for government support

The fruit growers' association of two German states has announced that there will be no ceremonial opening of the harvest season this year. According to forecasts, there will be significantly fewer apples than in previous years. The orchards are empty, and producers are in talks with politicians to ensure their survival.

Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have cancelled this year’s official opening of the apple harvest season, during which producers usually showcase their products, reports the sadyogrody.pl website.

The Fruit Growers Association of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt states that horticulture "is facing a crisis". According to the organisation's forecasts, growers will harvest just under 5,900 tons of apples this year. This is just over 10 per cent of last year's harvest. For comparison, in the exceptionally successful year of 2022, growers harvested over 71,800 tons.

The association estimates that growers' losses will reach between 21 and 26 million pounds. It was reported that talks are currently underway with ministries to "secure the existence of enterprises".