Apple harvests in Germany decline due to heat and drought

Apple farmers in Germany are facing significantly reduced yields following a summer characterized by extreme heat and drought. In the Enzkreis region, the organization mlgreen collected 62 tons of apples from its own orchards and local citizens, despite many trees producing little to no fruit. The harvest is being processed into products such as juice, chips, and ice cream.

In Leichlingen, farmer Tim Nies reported that his plantation, which could potentially yield 150 tons under ideal conditions, produced only 50 tons this year. Much of the remaining fruit is small or damaged by scab, making it suitable primarily for juice production rather than retail.

Experts suggest that while weather stress is a primary factor, natural phenomena such as 'alternance'—where trees alternate between high and low yield years—may also contribute to the fluctuations. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the overall apple harvest is estimated to be more than five percent below the average of the last ten years.