Growers: Latvian apple prices could be lower this year than last
Latvian apple growers expect a good harvest in many orchards this year and say prices could end up lower than last year, though winter frost has damaged yields in some areas.
Latvia's apple orchards present a mixed picture this season – winter frost damaged trees and cut expected yields in some gardens, while other growers report promising prospects. Several industry representatives shared their outlook with the LETA news agency.
Gints Neimanis, chairman of the "Zelta ābele" agricultural cooperative, says this year's harvest at his cooperative won't be bad, though he cautions against celebrating too early since weather remains unpredictable. Early apple varieties are already being picked, while the main harvest, including the "Auksis" variety, is expected in late August and September. He noted that moisture levels have been sufficient this summer and drought hasn't affected the trees, apart from a drier-than-usual April and May. No severe storms or flooding have hit the cooperative's orchards.
The cooperative plans to begin large-scale apple sales in September alongside the "Milk and Fruit for Schools" programme, though some members are already supplying shops with early-variety apples. Neimanis explains that prices will be lower this year because growers expect a larger harvest than last year, and individual growers will also have a bigger influence on the overall market this season. He adds that finding seasonal workers for the harvest is getting harder each year, with many quitting once they realize the actual workload. He also notes that the price gap between Latvian and Polish apples has narrowed in recent years, though Polish apples remain more widely available and cheaper in shops, creating competition for local growers.
Another grower's experience
Edmunds Grīnbergs, owner of SIA "Pūres dārzi", says harvesting hasn't started yet at his farm and is planned for early September. He too believes weather conditions haven't harmed the trees and expects a good yield, recalling that last year's weaker harvest drove strong demand for apples. His company is also struggling to attract workers for the harvest.
According to Firmas.lv, Pūres dārzi's turnover last year reached 511,085 euros, up 12% year-on-year, with the company posting a profit of 65,173 euros. "Zelta ābele", which unites seven farms and businesses covering 288 hectares, had a turnover of 817,266 euros last year and a profit of 3,082 euros.
