Fruit growers are worried: apple prices have reached a record low. For example, the Jonagold, which represents two thirds of the Belgian production, is sold 60% cheaper than last year. Since the Russian embargo in 2014, the European market is saturated, forcing producers to sell at a loss.
In 20 years, Belgium has cut its production surfaces in half. This is however insufficient, given that Belgium also imports apples from abroad. The development of shorter circuits allows producers to sell their fruits at a fair price, but they still cannot compete with large retailers. The situation is similar for the pear market.
Source: rtc.be