Cherry Harvest in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt: A Rollercoaster Ride Due to Weather Woes
Expecting a more abundant cherry yield compared to the previous season among cherry farmers. - Anticipated boost in cherry yields surpassing previous harvests according to fruit farmers.
Expect some fantastic cherry flavors coming from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt this year, as the cherry farmers seem optimistic about a substantial improvement compared to the last year's dismal harvest. The brutal freeze that decimated their cherry farms last year is a distant memory, as they predict 2,125 tons of sweet cherries and 2,055 tons of sour cherries, according to the Fruit Growers' Association's cherry season kickoff in Saxony-Anhalt.
Cherry queens on the line
"Last year, we were hit by a colossal frost event that wreaked havoc on our cherry crops, causing total losses in some cases," lamented the association's managing director, Carmen Kaps. Although yields this year are most likely to be below normal levels, Kaps describes the upcoming harvest as "satisfactory."
Mother Nature feels no remorse
Adverse weather has been the villain this year, too. Unpredictable frosts, drought, occasional hailstorms, and heavy downpours have tested the farmers' patience to the limit. These weather elements have not only affected the yields but also the quality of the cherries.
Tearful goodbyes as cultivation wanes
"Although the cherry cultivation area has only marginally decreased compared to last year, the overall trend is clearly heading south," stressed Kaps. The culprit behind this unsettling trend is escalating production costs, primarily driven by wage hikes, even for seasonal laborers. But don't worry, the cherry farms are not going out of business just yet.
Pricing keeps the buyers hooked
Market demand for cherries remains stable, and despite the surge in production costs, cherries can still be profitably sold. However, domestic cherries find themselves pitted against cheaper imports, such as those from Turkey. The kiloprice for this year's crop is expected to range between seven and twelve euros, based on the quality and cost of production.
The Weather: Mother Nature's Wild Card
Uncertainties surrounding the weather are likely to remain a significant factor in shaping the cherry harvest in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Cold spells and spring frost events, particularly during the critical flowering period, can significantly reduce fruit set and lower yields. In other fruit-growing regions like northern China, similar weather patterns have been linked to reduced apple and pear yields due to frost damage and wind damage during flowering.
Farming under the (Micro)scope
Aside from weather, the overall impact of market fluctuations and export demand on the cherry farming industry in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt remains unclear. However, trends in apple production and export markets indicate that external market demands and quality standards can indirectly influence decisions in fruit cultivation, including cherries.
Go Cherry Picking!
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Saxony
Other include mixtures of vegetable fats and oils may be used in the production of food-and-drink items, such as cherry-flavored spreads or desserts, to offset the rising costs in the cherry business.
The finance department of cherry farm businesses in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt might consider diversifying their food-and-drink offerings to maintain profitability amidst fluctuating cherry yields and increasing production costs.
