2023-09-22 12:51:00
Hit by rising energy costs and competition from Eastern countries in recent years, apple producers have received aid of two million euros from the Walloon Region. Indispensable help for a sector which is considering diversification of production.
Nicolas, an apple producer, has done his accounts. Over the past five years, he has disposed of 20 hectares of Jonagold, out of the 35 hectares of apples he produced. It has thus diversified with young varieties, such as “redlove”, a unique apple with red flesh. “That means we have to find young varieties and boldly present them to mass distribution”, says Nicolas, fruit grower at Ferme des Hêtres, located in Roseau-Crenwick. According to him, it is equipped with motivation and will that we must arm ourselves to convince. “We have to say ‘OK, I have a solution for you for the future’, with solutions that stand out, that are resistant to diseases, which is in keeping with the times given that they need to be treated much less and are therefore much more neutral for consumers.”
Since the closure of the Russian borders, the export of Jonagold apples has fallen sharply, as has its price, while the energy crisis has continued to inflate electricity bills. Energy used to preserve apples in huge refrigerators.
“It takes a lot of energy, in general”, underlines Nicolas, the fruit grower. “For the preservation of fruit, we went from 8 cents to 15 cents per kilo to keep them until December. “These are costs that are not passed on to our fruit.”
The competing Eastern countries
European competition has also increased. The cause? The emergence of producers from Eastern countries, who offer cheaper labor. “Large distribution in Belgium wants to pay for our workforce but also does not want to overpay compared to the European market”continues Nicolas.
Thanks to the aid of two million euros granted to around thirty producers. The Walloon region hopes to prevent the rapid deterioration of apple production and the destruction of orchards.
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