Belgium needs to place more of a focus on new apple varieties, according to Luc Vanoirbeek, a member of LAVA’s governing board and horticultural policy advisor to the Belgian Farmers’ Union.
Both Belgium and the European Union have seen significant shifts in apple varieties over the last few years, with big increases in volumes of new varieties.
The Kanzi variety has seen spectacular growth in terms of both planted area and yield. Total Belgian production reportedly stands as 6,290 tonnes, an increase of 175.9 per cent over the previous year. Production of the Belgica variety is also higher thanks to higher yields.
“Belgium urgently needs to renew its apple selection and ensure good marketing channels,” said Mr Vanoirbeek. “There should be more opportunity for new apple varieties such as Belgica, Kanzi and Greenstar. Quality is good and they’re delicious, crunchy apples – just what modern consumers want from a new apple. Market response has also been very positive.”
A smaller apple crop was forecast at Prognosfruit for the coming season. The crop is expected to drop 7.5 per cent compared with the previous season, with 311,000 tonnes anticipated.
