“Both increasing late frosts and pests that can no longer be adequately controlled endanger economic viability,” said the Chamber of Agriculture and the Federal Fruit Growing Association on Wednesday. They are calling on the future government to make improvements in the areas of investments and non-wage labor costs as well as in the labeling of origin of processed products.
“A third of the full harvest”
“Our fruit growers were only able to bring in a third of a full harvest. Without frost protection, especially frost irrigation, the yield would have been even worse. This means that 2024 will be another year with massive harvest failures. The situation is dramatic, because there have only been three in the last ten years normal harvests,” said Manfred Kohlfürst, President of the Fruit Growers Association. Domestic supplies should still be secured this year, he said in a press release.
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He calculated: “The total Austrian fruit area fell by 14 percent in just six years – between 2017 and 2023 – and 19 percent of the farms were lost in Austria.” Declines in area have been recorded not only for apples, but also for apricots, cherries, nectarines, plums and strawberries.
Farmers warn that more and more introduced “pest pathogens” such as fire blight, cherry vinegar flies and bedbugs are threatening domestic fruit production. “The lack of effective means of combating pests and diseases is leading to increasing crop losses,” said Austrian Chamber of Agriculture President Josef Moosbrugger.
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**Interview with Manfred Kohlfürst, President of the Fruit Growers Association**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Manfred. The recent report highlights significant challenges in fruit production due to climate change and pest management. Can you elaborate on the current situation facing Austrian fruit growers?
**Manfred Kohlfürst:** Thank you for having me. Our fruit growers are facing a dramatic situation this year. Due to increasing late frosts, we’ve only managed to secure one-third of a full harvest. Without frost protection methods like frost irrigation, our yields could have been significantly worse. Unfortunately, this trend points to another year of substantial harvest failures.
**Interviewer:** That sounds concerning. You mentioned that there have been only three normal harvest years in the last decade. What do you believe are the primary factors contributing to these failures?
**Manfred Kohlfürst:** Primarily, it’s the combination of climate change effects—such as unpredictable weather patterns resulting in late frosts—and the rise of pest populations that we can’t effectively control anymore. We’re seeing introduced pests, like fire blight and cherry vinegar flies, causing real harm to our crops. Last year was tough, but this year’s predictions look bleak without intervention.
**Interviewer:** What specific measures are you advocating for the future government to implement in addressing these issues?
**Manfred Kohlfürst:** We’re calling for increased investments in the agricultural sector, focusing on non-wage labor costs and improved labeling of processed products. Additionally, innovative pest control solutions should be prioritized. We need support to ensure our domestic supplies are secured and to make our production economically viable amidst these challenges.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is needed. Given the increasing prevalence of pesticide use in response to pests, how is this affecting not just farmers but consumer health as well?
**Manfred Kohlfürst:** That’s a complex issue. While pesticides can provide temporary control over pest populations, their overuse can lead to pollution and degradation of our natural ecosystems, which ultimately impacts consumer health. We’re navigating a delicate balance between ensuring agricultural productivity and maintaining the health of our environment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Manfred. As the situation evolves, we hope to see strategic actions that support both fruit growers and the ecological health of the region.
**Manfred Kohlfürst:** Thank you. It’s essential that we work together to address these pressing challenges for the benefit of all.
