On Monday, pear harvesting began in Belgium and the Netherlands. Many seasonal workers have arrived to help the farmers. One of the Belgian measures taken is that these people must be tested for COVID-19 on arrival. Only if this test is negative are they allowed to start working. Fruit grower, Christoph Van Haelst of Van Haelst Fruit, decided to test his migrant laborers himself. "I test my staff immediately, which means I only have to wait two days for results. Otherwise, you wait for one to two weeks. Then you risk having too few pickers in the orchards."
"All these COVID-19 rules are adding considerable costs this year. We pay for all the testing ourselves. We don't yet have anything to show for it. Transporting the workers is also more expensive. They have to sit further apart, so fewer fit in a van. They also need work permits which show they're coming to work for us. That's not even mentioning the measures we must take in the packaging and sorting facilities. Or transport to and from the orchards," says Christoph.
"We've slowly started picking this week. The pears' quality's been good, so far. We had no issues with the dry weather. We were able to water the trees well. How the pears will store is still anyone's guess. Two years ago, we also thought storage would go well. But, in February, things took an about-turn. Things are still uncertain, but up to now, we're satisfied."
Van Haelst expects Dutch and Belgian farmers to have ample pears to harvest this year. The yields are equal to, or even a little higher than last year. "There wasn't much sun damage. A few Lukas and Doyenne du Comice were damaged. But, it wasn't so bad for Conference pears. I hope all the growers have enough pickers this season."
"Everyone must harvest and get the pears refrigerated on time. I'm a little concerned about the heat. There are no problems now. However, if harvesting takes too long, the pears could ripen too quickly. If that happens, there will be yellow pears on the market. We're still haunted by that. So, I hope everyone gets picking on time," concludes Christoph.
For more information:
Christoph Van Haelst
Van Haelst Fruit
85 Kieldrechtsebaan
BE-9130, Verrebroek, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 333 616 47
Mob.: +32 (0) 477 777 736
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.vanhaelstfruit.be
