Spring frosts have significantly affected fruit orchards across Belarus, damaging part of the crop in both state and private farms. Despite the losses, harvesting continues in many regions, as growers work to preserve what remains.
One of the orchards to experience frost damage was the 180-hectare plantation of the Zhdanovichi agricultural complex near Minsk. The site grows several popular varieties, Jonagold, Aydared, Belarusian Sweet, Antonovka, and Olesya. Weather conditions hit Olesya the hardest, but the losses are described as manageable. According to the head of orchard operations, early-maturing varieties such as Early Geneva and Yubilyar have already been harvested, totalling approximately 25 tonnes, and an additional 200–300 tonnes are expected by the end of the season. Most of the fruit is delivered directly to retail chains in the capital.
Retail buyers confirm that the availability of Belarusian apples is lower than last year. While early varieties such as Yubilyar and Slava Pobeditelyam are already on the shelves, expectations for a wider assortment later in the season may not be fully met.
Where fresh yields have been reduced, the processing industry has taken on greater importance. In one Minsk-region orchard, more than 70 tonnes of apples are harvested daily, all destined for puree production used in baby food, juices, and preserves. The company exports its processed products to Russia and China, generating higher added value compared to raw produce sales.
Government measures include a new mechanism for stabilization funds under the state procurement programme. Selected enterprises and processors will purchase and distribute apples through state orders, supporting social institutions and stabilising supply.
Some producers are diversifying to reduce weather-related risks. In the Borisov district, where spring frosts severely affected apple trees, growers have shifted part of their land to blueberry cultivation. The crop has proven to be resilient, requiring minimal pesticide use and showing strong adaptability to local conditions.
In the Brest region, the Ostromechevo orchards, located on higher ground, avoided the worst of the frost. The enterprise cultivates 182 hectares of fruit trees, including 130 hectares of apples. Last year's output reached 2,500 tonnes; this year, the figure is expected to be around half of that. Early variety Honeycrisp has already produced approximately 20 tonnes, which are immediately packed and shipped to retailers. Damaged fruit is redirected to processing.
Preliminary estimates for the entire Brest region suggest a total of about 33,000 tonnes of apples, roughly one-third of last year's volume. For many farms, the financial losses are substantial, and the long-term recovery of trees may take several seasons.
