Yesterday morning in Lleida, the general director of Afrucat, Manel Simon, presented the preliminary estimates for the top fruit harvest. The event was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Environment, Josep Maria Pelegrí, accompanied by the General Director of Agriculture and Livestock, Miquel Molins, and the director of the Regional Services Department in Lleida, Jaume Fabá.
As stated by Simon, the apple and pear harvest campaign will follow the normal schedule and will start between 7 and 12 days earlier than in the 2013 season.
As far as apples are concerned, Catalonia's harvest will amount to 268,600 tonnes; an increase of 4% compared to 2013, although still lower than the average of recent years.
Gerona, representing 34% of the Catalan apple production, will be the province with the greatest increase in production volumes, which are expected to grow by about 30%, recovering from the effects of last year's hail. Fortunately, 40% of the production is already under antihail nets.
With 174,650 tonnes expected, Lleida decrease its production by 6% while Barcelona, with a growth of 1% expects to harvest 1,580 tons. Apple production decreased 4% in Tarragona, with 1,430 tons expected.
Regarding pears, Catalonia expects the second lowest production of the past 20 years. The Catalan pear harvest will thus reach about 196,000 tonnes; a drop of 7% compared to 2013, following the downward trend of recent years.
Lleida expects to harvest 188,290 tonnes, which means a decline of 6%; Girona 5,790, down 18 percent; Tarragona 1410, with a decline of 14% and 630 tonnes in the Barcelona region, with 1% increase over last season.
Regarding pears, Catalonia expects the second lowest production of the past 20 years. The Catalan pear harvest will thus reach about 196,000 tonnes; a drop of 7% compared to 2013, following the downward trend of recent years.
Lleida expects to harvest 188,290 tonnes, which means a decline of 6%; Girona 5,790, down 18 percent; Tarragona 1410, with a decline of 14% and 630 tonnes in the Barcelona region, with 1% increase over last season.
However, the fact that there will be fewer fruits per tree will result in good calibres and top quality, with good sugar levels.
"Larger calibres and better quality should entail better prices," argued the Councillor of Agriculture, Josep Maria Pelegrí.