The apple and pear production in France is 25% less than in 2011. This as announced by the ministry of agriculture. On 1 September the production of pears was estimated to be 124,800 tons. This is not only 25% less than last year, but also 21% less than the five year average.
The unfavourable weather conditions in spring explain this large decrease, which especially hit the regions Centre and Rhône-Alpes. The decrease in production of these regions is estimated at 52% and 42% respectively. The varieties hardest hit are the William and the Comice.
With an estimated tonnage of 1,391 million tons the apple production of 2012 is the smallest in 10 years. The production this year is 23% smaller compared to the five year average.
Here as well bad weather conditions (frost, rain, hail) in spring are an important factor. Especially the Limousin region was hit by this with a loss of production of almost 90% as a result of frost damage. The region PACA has as only French region a production larger than in 2011. The decrease in production is especially with the variety Golden.