The past two years were particularly difficult for the plum sector, which was severely impacted by the frost. For the 2023 season, however, the harvest seems to be back to normal levels. “In 2021 and 2022, half the production froze, and the harvest also started a couple of weeks early,” explains Joël Boyer. “This year, it looks like we are heading for a slightly more normal harvest. As far as we are concerned, we are expecting volumes of around 55,000 tons, all plum varieties combined. The very first varieties will be harvested towards the end of June/beginning of July, for a traditional start to the campaign.”
Temperatures in May were much milder and more in line with the seasonal norms than in May 2022, which was much hotter. “For the past couple of weeks, we have had thunderstorms in the south of France, which have brought some water. This rainfall has helped refill the last lakes before the summer season begins. Unfortunately, the storms also brought hail in some areas. A few growers were affected, namely those who did not have the time to cover their orchards, or those who still have orchards with traditional goblet pruning that are difficult to protect. It is becoming increasingly clear that protecting orchards against hail is an essential development for the future of stone fruit production.”
For more information:
Joël Boyer
Boyer
Mobile: 06 07 63 85 73
joel.boyer@philibon.com
https://www.philibon.com