Rocha pear forecasts are being revised following the effects of sunshine on the fruit during August.
According to the national Rocha pear association in Portugal ANP, a lack of rainfall throughout most of 2005 is having a serious impact on fruit which was compounded by sun damage last month.
“Considering water shortage and some adverse conditions, ANP forecasts a reduction in this year’s production,” said Patricia Vaz, secretary general of the organisation. “August’s high temperatures have caused sunburn in the higher calibre fruits.”
She confirmed that growers have been trying to adapt to the lack of water this year. “Fruit-growers have made an extra effort with additional weeding, adapting the number of fruits per tree in accordance with existing water resources and investing in new water capture, transport and irrigation. This has caused a global increase in production costs.”
The ANP now forecasts a 40 per cent drop in production on last season rather than the 35 per cent previously forecast. “We are estimating production at 115,000-125,000 tonnes,” said Vaz. “This worries every grower since it reduces their income and can cause market changes.”
The ANP is calling on supermarkets to understand the situation and adapt their offer accordingly in order to better serve their customers.
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