2024-11-23 09:00:00
Has high as three or four apples? When weighing the French apple harvest, the debate is open within agricultural authorities. Between the ministry and the sector, the figures differ. Bone of discord? For State services, at the last score dating from 1is November, French apple trees will have collapsed under the weight of fruit in 2024 and nearly 1.7 million tonnes should be harvested. A total which would be up 7% compared to 2023, and 16% compared to the production average of the last five years. A marked rebound especially in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Nay, reacts the National Apple and Pear Association (ANPP), after counting the fruits. It has revised its estimates downwards and anticipates a harvest of 1.426 million tonnes. In this case, it would be down 3% compared to that of 2023.
Who’s telling the truth? The apple debate is not settled. The divergence is, however, less than during demonstrations after which police and demonstrators regularly play a battle of numbers with wet fingers. Monday, November 18, at the end of the first of two days of agricultural mobilization, the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions-Young Farmers alliance which orchestrated this movement announced « 85 points de manifestation » across the country. The authorities, for their part, identified “around forty actions”mobilizing 2,500 people.
Stained or shriveled, they are valued
While many farmers say they are in difficulty, apple growers are rather reassured. “The year doesn’t end too badly”admits Daniel Sauvaitre, arborist in Charente and president of the ANPP, who adds: “We remain vigilant about the conservation of fruits picked in the rain, but the precipitation has limited the use of irrigation and qualitatively the harvest is rather good. » Another subject of satisfaction for French arborists, the price is holding up and cost inflation has calmed down. “The average price, leaving the fruit station, is around one euro per kilo, one cent above the level of [2023] »declares Mr. Sauvaitre. The apple feeds its man.
This average price hides disparities, between the gleaming Pink Lady, gala, granny smith or golden which will show off on the shelves, and the ugly fruits which will find another destination. However, stained or shriveled apples, far from being thrown away, are increasingly valued. “They have gained 15 cents in two years and are trading between 35 and 40 cents”specifies the president of the ANPP. The reason is the lower production of Polish apples, almost two thirds of which are transformed into compote or other concentrate.
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What factors contribute to the discrepancies between the Ministry of Agriculture’s apple harvest estimates and those provided by the National Apple and Pear Association (ANPP)?
**Interview with Daniel Sauvaitre, President of the National Apple and Pear Association (ANPP)**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Mr. Sauvaitre. Thank you for joining us today. The recent discussions around the French apple harvest numbers have been quite contentious. The Ministry of Agriculture suggests a harvest of nearly 1.7 million tonnes for 2024, while your association has revised that figure to about 1.426 million tonnes. Can you explain this discrepancy?
**Daniel Sauvaitre:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, the difference in estimates is significant and reflects the complex nature of agricultural forecasting. Our figure of 1.426 million tonnes indicates a slight decrease from last year, approximately 3% down. We conduct detailed assessments based on fruit counts and local conditions. While the Ministry’s numbers suggest a robust increase, we must consider various factors, including the impact of weather and the specific conditions within different regions.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of weather, how has this year’s climate impacted apple growers throughout France?
**Daniel Sauvaitre:** This year has presented its challenges, particularly with precipitation affecting harvest conditions. However, farmers have generally reported positive outcomes despite concerns. The rain has been beneficial in reducing irrigation needs, which is a plus. The quality of the fruit is good, albeit some are stained or shriveled due to the elements. many growers feel reassured as the harvest is not as dire as some may think.
**Interviewer:** It seems there’s a broader discussion within the agricultural community, especially with the recent protests and mobilizations. Can you shed light on this?
**Daniel Sauvaitre:** Yes, the protests reflect underlying tensions within the agricultural sector. Farmers are facing numerous challenges, including fluctuating prices and external pressures. While our association is focused on the health of the apple sector, we understand the frustrations of farmers nationwide regarding broader agricultural policies. The mobilization efforts indicate a collective demand for more support and understanding from authorities.
**Interviewer:** how are apple prices faring this season, and what does that mean for both producers and consumers?
**Daniel Sauvaitre:** The good news for growers is that prices have stabilized. Currently, the average price is around one euro per kilo, slightly above last year’s level. This stability offers some reassurance to our farmers amid ongoing cost inflation in other areas of their operations. For consumers, this means they can expect fairly steady prices for apples in the market, which is crucial given the economic climate.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Sauvaitre, for your insights. It seems the path forward will require collaboration and clear communication among all stakeholders in the apple industry.
**Daniel Sauvaitre:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. Yes, collaboration will be key as we navigate these challenges together.