European stonefruit producers are gearing up for a high quality crop, according to the latest forecasts by Europech, released at Medfel on Thursday. However, the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine is casting a shadow over the season as growers fear a fall in shipments to Russia and eastern Europe could result in EU markets becoming oversupplied.
Peach and nectarine production is set to rise by 11 per cent to just over 3m tonnes. This represents a 9 per cent increase on the five-year average between 2008 and 2012. While Italy’s output will be similar to last year, at around 1.4m tonnes, production is Spain and France is expected to rise by around 15 per cent and Greece’s volume is set to increase by 44 per cent due to its recovery from the frost and hail that affected the industry last year.
Apricots production is expected to reach around 520,000 tonnes, a 13 per cent increase on 2013. Italy is set to produce 210,000 tonnes, an increase of 11 per cent on the 2013 total, but still below the five-year average. The Spanish crop is expected to be down 10 per cent on 2013 at 88,000 tonnes, but this is still 8 per cent above the five-year average.
Apricot production in France is expected to rise by 22 per cent on last year to 160,000 tonnes, while Greece has also recovered strongly, rising 47 per cent o 62,000 tonnes.
In varietal terms, production of flat peaches has grown strongly in Spain, with output up almost 30 per cent on 2013 as acreage continues to increase. In Murcia, plantings of apricots and nectarines have increased, while producdtion fo yellow peaches and plums has fallen due to lower consumer demand. Catalonia has also seen a rise in new orchards, with acreage expanding by 9 per cent over last year.
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