The weather issues in Poland will lead to a smaller volume of apples. For conventional apples the damage seemed severe, however exporter Agro Queens feels there will be a sufficient amount of organic apples available for export.
The upcoming season for Polish organic apples is met with positivity by Polish exporting company Agro Queens. The challenges thrown their way, in terms of weather, will have an impact, but they feel there is still enough to be excited about: “We had both frost and drought in Poland during the spring. However our orchards are secured properly and we are glad to say we will have sufficient quantities of organic apples available. The volume of the crops will naturally be lower than the previous season, but we think there will not be a major issue when it comes to the required quantities.” Agnieszka Bajer, Managing Director for Agro Queens said.
The media has reported that non-organic produce is frequently sold as organic, to increase profits. Bajer feels these traders should be punished severely: “We work only with our reliable suppliers, which are regularly audited. We are 100 per cent sure that our apples are 100 per cent organic. We do laboratory analysis on the apples many times during the year. I think certification bodies should look after companies that are under their protection more closely. Companies that are caught selling false organic apples should receive major punishments.”
For Agro Queens, this season is all about getting their brand out there. “We are focused on our brand BIO Queen this season, so we would like to strengthen the relationships we already have and attract new clients in the process. It’s our intention to promote Polish organic apples all over the EU, which is our main market. However, BIO Queens will also be available in Polish retail chains this season.” Bajer explains.
Although the prices of conventional apples are very low at this point, the prices for organic apples are doing much better: “Since it’s the end of the season, prices are currently quite high. I expect these prices to increase every week,” says Bajer. A higher price will naturally lure more people to start cultivating organic apples. But Bajer claims it’s not that easy. “Year after year, there are more organic apple producers in Poland. Unfortunately, not everyone can manage the pest attacks that can come with it and some farmers are already withdrawing from organic production after only a short time. There are relatively few honest producers.”
To promote their brand, Agro Queens will be attending a couple of exhibitions this year. “We will attend Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Anuga in Cologne and Biofac in Nuremberg, Germany. Anyone who would like to get acquainted with Polish organic apples, be sure to give us a visit!” Bajer concludes.
For more information:
Agnieszka Bajer
Agro Queens
Tel: +48 502 842 133
Email: agnieszka.bajer@agroqueens.com
www.agroqueens.com