National assocation of producers says production will be less than half potential volume for third successive year
This season is set to be another missed opportunity for Portugal’s Rocha pear growers, after it was revealed that poor conditions during the production period have translated into “significant losses” in terms of the marketable crop available.
According to the National Association of Rocha Pear Producers (ANP), volumes are no longer likely to reach an earlier forecast of 114,759 tonnes, which would have been 5.7 per cent more than in 2023, but about half of what was harvested in 2021.
In practice, it said, the Rocha crop would probably be about the same size or smaller than last season’s.
“This is the second-worst harvest of the last decade and the third consecutive year with less than 50 per cent of pears, far below the productive potential,” said ANP in a statement.
Due to the climatic and phytosanitary conditions recorded throughout the campaign, and especially in its final phase, significant losses are expected from fruit already stored in the packhouses, it noted.
“Nevertheless, the sector remains committed to prioritising its regular customers with the usual quality and to upholding the prestige of Rocha do Oeste PDO. We emphasise the necessary collaboration of all to ensure the sustainability of the producers and this very special fruit of ours.”
