This year, Belgium will produce 412 million kilograms of pears in our country.

Each year, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Flemish government, together with the Association of Belgian Horticultural Auctions (VBT), producer organizations, and Boerenbond, convene to make an estimation of the Belgian pome fruit harvest. These estimations are based on a survey conducted among fruit-growing companies across all Belgian provinces. The results, along with data from other countries, form the basis for European harvest estimations. These estimations were presented at the international Prognosfruit congress, which took place this year in Trento, Italy, with 390 participants from 26 countries, including 9 from outside the EU.

This year, Belgian fruit growers will produce 203 million kilograms of apples. This represents a decrease of 14.9% compared to last year. The lower apple yields in Belgium are mainly due to a further reduction in acreage combined with lower production. Since the 2018/2019 season, the apple acreage has decreased by 1,089 hectares to 4,896 hectares. It is primarily the Jonagold (-620 Ha) and Jonagored (-569 ha) varieties that have disappeared. In the upcoming season, the Belgian apple acreage will consist of less than half Jonagold and Jonagored for the first time.

This year, Belgium will produce 412 million kilograms of pears, representing an increase of 19% compared to last year. The pear acreage in Belgium has further increased this year to 10,630 hectares (+65 hectares). Also, in pear cultivation, there is a strong focus on innovation and diversification of the offering with a range of new pear varieties.

Belgium has become the leading pear-producing country in the EU. Due to climate change, with associated periods of drought, heatwaves, and floods, pear cultivation in both Italy and Spain is under significant pressure.

However, 2023/2024 will be a season with several challenges. Firstly, there are, of course, the climatic challenges that the sector has been facing for several years in a row. The sector, together with research institutions, must respond to these challenges.

But the fruit sector will also be obliged to continue seeking new market opportunities and further modernization of fruit companies (new varieties, risk management, diversification, etc.).

Additionally, the sector will need to continue focusing on increasing the consumption of apples and pears. Crucial to this is the support of Belgian retailers and consumers in their conscious choice for apples and pears from Belgian soil.

Hopefully, these efforts will result in better price formation for producers. This is necessary for the continued viability of our companies faced with ongoing disrupted international trade.

VBT

Source article: Landbouwleven

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