Belgium's apple and pear crops are set to be considerably lower this season compared with the volume produced in 2011, according to the latest forecast compiled by the country's government and industry organisations.
The anticipated downturn, attributed to unfavourable growing conditions in April, is likely to mean a 30 per cent reduction in apple volume to 212,000 tonnes, while this year's pear crop is set to be 14 per cent smaller at 255,000 tonnes – 90 per cent of it the Conference variety.
Total production area for topfruit in Belgium has remained steady during the past year at 15,719ha, with 45 per cent occupied by apple orchards and the balance by pear trees.
However, during the past 12 months the country's apple acreage has declined by 3 per cent to 7,140ha, while production area for pears has risen 3 per cent to 8,579ha.
