Luckily, the cold wave that hit many European regions earlier this month seems to have spared the French producers of peaches and apricots, who were severely affected last year.
The temperatures recorded in southeastern France did not reach the levels of last year, and only in a few cases did the temperatures go below -2°C.
The configuration of the cold air masses, the proximity of the Mediterranean coast, and above all the wind, made it possible to avoid the worst.
Severely affected last year, the fruit growers were ready and they fought for several nights to protect the majority of their harvest.
Unfortunately, some damage has been reported in the most impacted areas, including some hillsides of the Rhône Valley, the high Têt valley (Prades) and the Baronnies area.
This wave seems to have severely affected other European regions, especially the north of Spain: Lerida (Catalonia), Huesca and Zaragoza (Aragon), Navarre, León and Rioja.
All this information will be revealed at MedFEL, when the predictions for the European apricot harvest will be announced (April 28th at 3.30pm) and on the 24th of May during the MedFEL Tuesdays.
The PDO Peaches and Apricots of France will be present at MedFEL on April 27th and 28th (Parc des Expos, Perpignan, Booth B33).
For more information:
Raphaël Martinez
AOP Pêches et Abricots de France
Phone: +33 (0)6 09 98 38 09
direction@aop-pechesabricots-france.com