European fruit harvests threatened by drought and heat

Extreme heat and prolonged drought across Europe are threatening fruit harvests, leading to concerns over reduced yields and smaller fruit sizes. In the European Union, apple production is expected to reach 9.5 million tonnes, representing a 15.6% decrease from the previous year and falling 14.3% below the three-year average. While pear production in the EU is projected to increase by 5.5% to 1.95 million tonnes, growers warn that heat stress and sun damage may impact quality.

In Austria, specifically in Carinthia, fruit growers face potential harvest losses of up to 30% if rainfall does not arrive by mid-August. Producers report that lack of water prevents fruit from gaining weight, resulting in smaller sizes, and causes some trees to drop their fruit entirely to conserve resources under drought stress. In the Netherlands, while a 9.6% increase in pears is anticipated, the market for larger varieties remains uncertain due to the prevalence of smaller fruit caused by the dry summer.