The Czech Republic’s fruit harvest dropped by a quarter year-on-year to 143,468 tonnes in 2007; the lowest since 1995.
Fruit Growers Association chairman Jaroslav Muska told local media he attributes the fall to frosty weather across the entire Central European region - in the Czech Republic apple trees in particular were affected by frost in spring.
Higher returns to growers - due to lower volumes - will partially offset the shortfall and losses are lower than was being predicted during the season, said secretary of the association Martin Ludvik.
However, 10 per cent of growers only harvested 20 per cent of their average volume, and will therefore not take advantage of the higher prices, he said, adding that a good harvest this year is essential for the survival of the some of the worst affected.
Czech fruit orchards occupy an area of 17,856 hectares, of which apples are grown on an area of 8,959ha. However, exports are limited by both the age of the orchards and the basket of varieties being grown. Fort-eight per cent of orchards are showing a decline in yields.
"Owing to that, the average per hectare yield with apples, for instance, reaches some 13 tonnes, while in western Europe it is five tonnes more," Muska said.
