According to Agreste, nectarine prices have gone back up following a disastrous start to the season for producers, yet prices remain lower than the five year average.
The season was hard for French arborists who had an abundant harvest, further increased by the massive presence of cheap Spanish peaches on the market. Prices dropped 6% in June compared to the 2009-2013 average, and 13% in July.
The offer began to decrease in August and during this month production prices only had a 4% decrease compared to the five year average.
Agreste states that “over the season until the 31st August, 2014 turnover price index is 10% lower than 2013 and 13% lower than the five year average”.
During the summer the producers alerted authorities and consumers of their situation, notably by blocking trucks full of Spanish goods. The government then promised to increase controls to avoid unfair competition between the two countries.
Though Agreste does not mention it, the Russian embargo has added to the difficult situation. This is why mid-August the European Commission authorised 5 to 10% of peaches and nectarines to be removed from the market to keep prices from dropping, as well as financial aid from the PAC (Common Agricultural Policy) for producers most affected.