Latvian orchardists assess apple harvest positively
Orchardists in Latvia are assessing this year's apple harvest positively, although the main harvest of late autumn and winter varieties is still ahead. LSM English reports, citing producers surveyed by Latvian Television.
The first varieties are already being harvested
The Jaunbrēmeles farm has already begun harvesting the first varieties. It grows 34 apple varieties across seven hectares, which ripen at different times and make it possible to harvest gradually. There are about 9,000 trees in the orchard.
Arnis Putenis, the farm's head of sales, noted that orchardists face diseases and pests every year. Weather has also affected the harvest: a recent storm broke apple trees in some places. At the same time, the farm assesses the quality of this year's fruit positively. According to Putenis, spring was dry and cold, while the season overall resembles last year's, which was also rainy.
On average, Jaunbrēmeles sells about 70 tonnes of apples per season. Around 80% of this volume is supplied to schools, while the rest is sold in shops and directly from the farm. Putenis believes that local farms can supply the Latvian market with apples of various varieties, sizes and quality.
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Price expectations
Jānis Lepsis, chairman of the board of the agricultural services cooperative Augļu nams, stressed that the harvest can only be assessed conclusively after picking is completed. He linked expectations of a better financial result to the difficult spring in Poland, where there were severe frosts. As a result, there may be fewer cheap imported apples from neighboring countries on the Latvian market.
Lepsis predicts that even during promotional periods, the price of apples in supermarkets is unlikely to fall below one euro per kilogram. In his view, the shelf price may be around €1.50 per kilogram depending on quality, while good apples at markets may cost around €2 per kilogram.
Dependence on weather
Apple harvest volumes in Latvia vary significantly from year to year. In 2022, the country harvested more than 10,000 tonnes of apples; last year, about 5,600 tonnes; while in 2024, the harvest exceeded 14,500 tonnes. Industry representatives explain these fluctuations by weather conditions: frost, prolonged rain, wind or hail in certain regions can significantly reduce volumes and worsen fruit quality.
