Haspengouw fruit growers were heavily affected by the hail and rain on the 13th of August. According to Luc Vanoirbeek, who has been active as an advisor with Boerenbond for almost thirty year, the situation is very serious for some growers. "This is around 600 hectares in total. That is considerable. Apples have been especially affected, as they are more vulnerable than pears."
5 to 6%
In Belgium the apple area is around 7000 hectares and over 9000 for pears. Around 60% of this is in the province Limburg. The share of 600 hectares is therefore 5 to 6%. Luc indicated that this situation is not comparable to the damage during the 'Pukkelpop storm' in 2011. Back then a large area was damaged at once, but this time it is very local. Producers are at their wits ends. Some were insured, some weren't. That makes it very tough. Of course it's awful what has happened, but we also have to be realistic and conclude that some growers don't opt for insurance or protection through hail nets. The need for this hasn't hit a large part of them yet. I have almost 30 years of experience as a horticulture advisor with Boerenbond now and every time I see companies go out of business, there is hail in their history. Every time."
Investing in hail nets
He emphasises that, now more than ever, it is time to think about a possible stimulation to insure against hail. "What would be even better: placing hail nets. There is a lot more of this in other countries. I'm just back from a visit to South Tirol and 80% there is covered. This is also the case in the region of Bodensee. In the Netherlands and Belgium we do see the share of hail nets increasing, but it could be better. We have to do something about that! Hail is awful. It's horrible that there is nothing we can do for some growers at the moment."
Production comparable
Last year part of the harvest wasn't picked due to the Russian boycott. That was 600 hectares of apples and 600 for pears. Now around 600 ha has been damaged by hail, which means they will no longer be able to be traded on the fresh market. If we look at the Prognosfruit figures, the apple harvest will be less this year. Due to the hail damage we will probably end at the same level as last season, when 600 ha of apples weren't harvested. A correction in the harvest prognosis."
Mood too positive?
The mood in the top fruit sector is quite positive at the moment. "Last year it was very negative. A lot of people didn't know what to do after the Russia boycott. Luckily, the season recovered bit by bit and at the end of the season everyone was relieved: 'it wasn't too bad'. Now we have to make sure we don't get into the opposite way of thinking. What is important is not just to expect that it will all be okay, because this could be completely wrong. Last year we had a lot of public sympathy, including the selfies and other action, but who says they will do the same this year? People believe in it, but we have to stay careful."
For more information:
Luc Vanoirbeek
Adviseur tuinbouw Boerenbond
Diestsevest 40
3000 Leuven
T +3216286415
F +3216286409
E Luc.Vanoirbeek@Boerenbond.Be
W www.boerenbond.be