In a promising turn for the apple industry, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is anticipating a notable increase in apple harvest this year. According to Dr. Till Backhaus, the state’s Minister of Agriculture, the expected apple harvest for 2024 is around 25,000 tons, aligning closely with the average of the past five years but reflecting a 15% rise from the previous year. This increase highlights a recovery and growth in the region’s apple production, despite some setbacks.
However, the season has not been without its challenges. Frosts on April 17-18 and between April 20-23 caused significant damage in central Mecklenburg, East Mecklenburg, and Vorpommern. These frosts have left visible damage on the fruit, affecting its quality. Conversely, the frost impact was less severe in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district, where the majority of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s apple trees are located, leading to better outcomes in this key area.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is home to 44 apple-growing farms, covering 1,546 hectares, with approximately two-thirds of this area located in Ludwigslust-Parchim. Notably, around 70% of the apple cultivation is organic, setting a nationwide benchmark in organic apple farming. The region’s focus on sustainability is evident in its high processing rate, with 85-90% of the apple harvest being converted into juice, puree, and dried fruits. This local processing not only supports regional agriculture but also reduces transportation impacts, contributing to overall sustainability.
Despite the high processing rate and quality, the year has brought challenges such as increased scab pressure and localized hail damage, particularly affecting organic apple production. The apple prices in 2023/2024 are expected to be at least cost-covering, marking a positive shift after several economically challenging years.
Nationally, Germany’s apple harvest for 2023 totaled 940,000 tons, with expectations for 2024 falling below 900,000 tons. The European Union’s apple harvest is also predicted to decrease, potentially being at least one million tons smaller than the previous year’s 11.4 million tons.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, apples remain the most cultivated tree fruit, despite a slight decrease in the proportion of apple orchards from 82.8% in 2022 compared to 87.4% in 2017. The leading apple varieties in the region are Elstar (25%), Jonagold (16.5%), and Jonagored (12.4%), with Boskoop, a popular cooking and baking apple, holding a 2.6% share.
The 2024 apple harvest in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is shaping up to be a significant improvement over the previous year, driven by increased production and high-quality output. Despite facing some adversity from weather-related issues and the challenges of organic farming, the region’s commitment to sustainable and efficient apple production continues to position it as a leader in the field. With a robust processing sector and a strong focus on organic practices, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern remains a key player in the apple industry.
