These are uncertain times for Belgian fruit growers. Protests for better prices, talks of intent between cooperatives, and cultivation challenges are piling up. "It's a wonderful profession, but as things stand, I sometimes wonder how I can manage it all. The apples are a disaster this year, and with the pears, you're just barely breaking even," begins grower Bert Morren of Fruitbedrijf Morren.
This Belgian farm cultivates mainly pears on some 15 hectares. "We mostly specialize in Conference but also grow Doyenne pears and Jonagored and Sissired apples." Bert took over the business in 2000 from his father, who was doing it on the side. Bert decided to expand the crop and now he, his wife, Joke, and their children also live on the farm.
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©www.straffestreek.be
Pears not too bad; apples a drama
The pear situation is not too bad, says the passionate grower. "But it's not great either. Last year was good; this year, we're just getting by. Pears picked on time are holding up well as the second part of the season approaches. Pears picked later shouldn't be kept too long; there are some dropouts there now. Prices, however, are excellent for the time of year," Bert explains.
The apple season, however, is a headache for this Belgian grower. "Prices are dramatic, which I fear will continue for the rest of the season. Luckily, all my apples are gone. The Sissireds normally still sell reasonably well, but even those sales were disappointing this year. There's usually still room on the market for this summer apple."
"But, this year, it seems the stores have many of last season's leftover Jonagolds left. It's becoming increasingly hard for the entire apple range. At least ten percent of the apple trees in my area have been uprooted. If that happens every year, they'll all be gone in five years," Bert continues.
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©www.straffestreek.be
BelOrta/BFV merger
He markets his fruit via the BFV, another concern these days. BelOrta and BFV reached a merger agreement last year, and this week the cooperatives began talking with its growers about the future. Now, many must decide to either go along with the integration or continue independently.
"I've decided to stay," Bert says firmly. "Some growers are hesitant, but I'm sure we're stronger together than everyone doing fragmented sales. That will create struggles
among the growers, putting even more pressure on prices. I think we must jointly face the challenges."
That is also why the Morren family is also putting a lot of effort into its regional products store. "It's a kind of risk spreading. The apple business seems to, sadly, be falling away and we don't want to bet everything on one horse," Bert admits.
"This way, we can also market through other channels." Joke primarily manages these sales. You can order local products, which are put together in a basket. "Those range from homemade apple gin, apple juice, and pear syrup, from our fresh fruit to locally produced coffee, mustard, and beer. It's a collaboration with local producers," Bert concludes.
For more information:
Bert en Joke Morren
Fruitbedrijf Morren
6 Groen Street
3470, Kortenaken, BE
Tel: +32 (0) 474 764 669
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.streekproductenmorren.be
