“The harvest fluctuates strongly every year,” states the Press Office, “Not all the fruit is suitable for sales.” This is partly caused by attacks of the Drosophila suzukii. The Drosophila suzukii, or spotted-wing drosophila was spotted for the first time in Germany in 2014 and caused massive damage. “Despite the damages, about 56,300 metric tons could be harvested,” explains the spokesperson, “an increase of 16 percent compared to last year.”
According to the Press Office 55 to 65 of the total harvest is sold at farmer’s markets. "Last year that amounted to 34,224 metric tons. This season, a sales volume of 31,900 metric tons is expected on the farmer’s markets,” explains the spokesperson. "If you add this all up, you get a total harvest of about 50,000-55,000 metric tons. That is not above average, but not low either."
This year the late bloom, the low temperatures and long periods of drought delayed the harvest of the plums and zwetschge about a week. An average start, according to the German Press Office for fruit and vegetables.
Pressebüro Deutsches Obst und Gemüse
Im Zollhafen 24, D-50678 Köln
Phone: +49-221-56938-113
presse@deutsches-obst-und-gemuese.de
www.deutsches-obst-und-gemuese.de