In the Netherlands, the organic pear season has begun at Elshof Organic Fruit. Robert Elshof expects an average harvest reduction of 15 to 20% of these. He also certainly does not rule out problems in storage either. "The season could be very short," he begins. "There'll probably be batches that have to go very quickly."
Robert says spring already did not bode well. "It was dramatic with dismal conditions that were terrible for the blossoms. Even then, we couldn't help but conclude it would lead to a harvest reduction."
Sleepless nights
He speaks of a difficult season. "After an active summer, we have a much smaller crop. The run-up to this has definitely caused sleepless nights. It was a very tough season. It was tremendously difficult to keep the pears disease-free. That's especially true for organic growers," Robert continues.
"Last week I visited some farms. All the growers said this was a very stressful year. Scab was a significant problem. And a lot of water stimulates plant growth even more. That made it very challenging." Robert thinks all the farms will have 15 to 20% less harvest. "Some farms were added this year. These contribute a little to the overall yield."
"Most vigilant about storage"
Robert expects excellent prices across the board. "Farmers are faced with the same issues all over Europe. I expect high prices. But the risk that these products won't store well is also very high. The season could become very short. The market outlook is very favorable. However, how the pears store is vital for that. We have to be extremely alert in this respect. After all, with organic produce, we can't do anything about fruit rot. The trade looks good. We're busy making agreements with customers. We first want to sufficiently supply our loyal clients," he explains.
Resistant varieties affected too
In such situations, conversations quickly turn to breeding developments. "Conference pears remain, by far, the most important variety. These have a 95% share. The others are really secondary varieties. There are undoubtedly developments in breeding. Promising varieties, in terms of resistance, failed this summer too. That shows, once again, how difficult it is to make cultivation even more sustainable."
"There's no single variety that is 100% resistant to pests and fungi. The Dutch climate is also so changeable. After two very dry summers, an extremely wet one followed. Growers are at the mercy of the weather's whims. Sometimes that's fun and challenging; now, it's very frustrating. This was a stressful summer for all fruit farmers," Elshof reiterates.
Here, Robert points out retailers' and consumers' roles. "All this is also related to market forces. Shoppers are currently opting for traditional varieties. We know how difficult it is to position a new variety or brand well. We introduced the BelleBio organic apple brand to the market in 2015. Fortunately, we succeeded. But you truly need to be in it for the long haul. It's also true that new varieties lack experience. Hopefully, we can find solutions in the technical arena. There are also trials underway with canopies."
More than organic
He says organic growers strive to offer the 'most sustainable alternative'. "Parties in the sector underestimate how hard we work. We want to take the already imposed requirements even further. We're doing everything we can, as a group, to achieve a higher return."
At present, the soil is enjoying much attention. That is something Robert cannot ignore either. "Every fruit farmer knows that the soil is vital. I'm part of a Soil Life project group. This is an initiative I'm undertaking to be able to practice this very complicated profession. All participants took baseline readings earlier this year," Robert says.
"The goal is that everyone's results would've improved by the fall. This shows that we want to go even further than just sustainability. It's all about leaving the soil even better in ten or 100 years. In this way, you improve its resilience, and the return goes up. This sounds idealistic but it's hugely important."
Are there newcomers that stop?
Robert admits there is still much work to be done. "We're constantly finding out how little we still know. There's still a huge demand for organic produce. And increasing attention to the soil and healthy food. Just look at the EU goals. With a year like this, we take two steps back again. I can imagine growers who began with organic this year wanting to stop right away again."
Robert, himself, has welcomed some newcomers whom he expects will continue farming. "At times this year, I was more of a psychologist. Some new growers worked day and night. It's simply terribly difficult to do well under these conditions. In that respect, the social aspect is crucial. People must talk to each other and face problems together. Fortunately, customers also understand that things don't always work out," he concludes.
For more information:
Robert Elshof
Elshof Organic Fruit
8251 RX, Dronten, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 321 312 719
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.elshoforganicfruit.com
