The Czech Republic’s fruit production rose by 16 percent to 190,955 tonnes last year, according to its national Fruit Growers Association.
Secretary Martin Ludvik told Czech news agency CTK last year’s harvest was average but seemed high compared to 2005, which was low due to spring frosts damaging blossoms.
The country’s year-on-year growth last year was mainly due to a boost in apple production, which added 15 per cent, bringing the total to 159,171t.
Cherry production grew by 127 per cent to 2,244 tonnes after a drop the previous year, while volumes of sour cherry were up by 38 percent to 10,955t.
By contrast, gooseberry volumes dropped to eight tonnes from 32t in 2005.
The Czech Republic’s fruit orchards make up 17,086 hectares, with apple trees covering 9,033ha.
Fruit harvested in Czech orchards is worth in excess of CZK 1 billion (£23.8m) a year.
