Although it is too early to know, some producers in the Limousin region are wary as to whether this years apples will be as good as those of 2014. After many difficult years (due to drought, frost and hail), the 2014 harvest was one of the best in the last decade in terms of quality. However, whilst flowering was particularly good and abundant this year, there are signs that worry some producers.
Laurent Rougerie, President of the Syndicate protecting the Limousin Apples PDO, says that they are experiencing the same problems as cherry producers, flowers are falling in abundance, which while apple trees are less sensitive, is a worry.
They are more worried about the quality than the quantity, but the manual thinning phase will allow them to have a better idea of what to expect, "this sorting process; destined to improve fruiting, will begin mid-June. We will be able to see more clearly then."