Crop of 96,000 tonnes expected, making it the PGI’s second biggest harvest ever
Harvesting for the Poma de Girona (Apples from Girona) PGI’s 2024 season got underway in mid-August, with the geographical indicator anticipating a crop of 96,000 tonnes, 12 per cent higher than in the previous year.
This would make this year’s harvest the second biggest in the PGI’s history – an achievement that is all the more remarkable given the water shortages that have marked the campaign according to the PGI’s president, Jaume Armengol.
Much-needed spring rains had a beneficial effect on this year’s crop, with Armengol predicting high quality after an abundant and prolonged flowering. However, he said sizes will not be exceptional due to the high load level per tree.
The successful implementation of drip irrigation systems has also mitigated the impact of the drought. Joan Bonany, director of the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology IRTA-Mas Badia, said 96 per cent of the surface area used for the cultivation of Poma de Girona PGI apples already uses efficient irrigation. In addition, the construction of 52 emergency wells has been requested, of which 22 have already been authorised.
Armegnol predicted that in the coming years, it will be normal for annual production to exceed 100,000 tonnes, the record harvest achieved by the PGI in 2021.
However, he warned that the drought is not over, and expressed solidarity with farmers of other crops who have been worse affected by the water shortage.
Around 20 per cent of Spain’s apple production in Spain comes from Girona. The Poma de Girona PGI covers 2,050ha of production of Gala, Golden, Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples.
