Rheinland-Pfalz fruit harvest expected to drop 32 percent

Fruit orchards in Rheinland-Pfalz are expected to harvest a total of 36,200 tons of pome fruit in 2026, according to an initial assessment by the State Statistical Office. This represents a 32 percent decrease compared to the previous year and falls 24 percent below the six-year average from 2020 to 2025.

The decline is attributed to recurring heatwaves and prolonged drought during the spring and summer of 2026. These weather conditions caused apples to fall prematurely or suffer sun damage, while cherries remained undersized or failed to develop fully.

Specific crop impacts include:

- Apples: The harvest is estimated at 18,800 tons, which is 35 percent lower than the previous year and 30 percent below the six-year average. The yield is estimated at 15 tons per hectare, compared to a six-year average of 21 tons. - Plums and Greengages: Production is expected to reach 9,900 tons, a 32 percent drop from the previous year. - Sour Cherries: The expected harvest is 2,100 tons, representing a 23 percent decrease from the previous year and a 36 percent decrease compared to the six-year average.