In parts of Europe, recent heatwaves have created challenges for fruit production, with temperatures reaching 40°C in southern France, leading to parched soils, premature harvests, and sunburnt fruit. In Luxembourg, temperatures also rose above 35°C, but the conditions have not caused concern among producers. According to Jean-Claude Muller, President of the Luxembourg Fruit-Growers' Association and owner of the Muller-Lemmer farm, the heat has instead been favourable.
Muller explained that 2024 was an unusually wet year, replenishing groundwater reserves and strengthening orchards. He noted that fruit growth in 2025 has been strong, with both quality and quantity looking positive. Sunshine has improved the aromatic character of the harvest, he said, and overall results have been better than last year, when frost caused major losses in some areas. Apples, mirabelles, plums, and other stone fruits are all showing good yields this season.
However, the sector continues to face structural challenges. Fruit production in Luxembourg has stagnated in recent years after growth in the early 2000s, when planting expanded to nearly 70–80 hectares of apples and pears and about 20 hectares of stone fruit. Muller pointed to labour shortages and, most critically, water availability as the main factors limiting further development.
He underlined that irrigation access is essential during dry summers, stating that every farm should have water available to secure stable yields. Without this, he warned, new producers are unlikely to invest in the sector.
Insurance is another constraint. While frost damage for some crops can be insured, no policies cover stone fruits such as mirabelles, plums, and cherries. Muller noted that in such cases, farms must rely on government assistance, as happened last year when one grower received state aid after losing an entire mirabelle crop.
Despite these challenges, Luxembourg's fruit industry is currently reporting good volumes and quality, with no immediate concerns for fruit and vegetable producers this season.
Source: RTL Today
