The Polish pear area is estimated to be about 10,000 hectares. “Various strains are cultivated, but I have seen Conference increasingly often in recent years. Producers’s interest is increasing,” says Peter van Arkel from Van Arkel Fruitadvies, who regularly visits and advises Polish cultivators.
Not easy
“Cultivating Conference is not easy in Poland,” Van Arkel explains. “This is mostly due to the colder weather and the continental climate. Besides, the weaker rootstocks are not suitable, because they are sensitive to frost. However, various cultivators have succeeded in harvesting good Conference pears, even with stronger rootstocks. Others see that, and follow that example. It is not always successful, but when it is, however, returns for Conference tend to be very high in Poland.”
Increase
Dutch and Belgian cultivators do not yet have to fear another competitor in the field of pears. “Volumes are not yet very high, for now. But there is an increase, it is a trend that will continue.” The Polish will also continue to expand with apples. “We are mostly talking about Gala, Red Delicious and Red Jonaprince, and Golden is also fairly popular to plant.”
No new strains
Why do Polish cultivators not choose new varieties? “Because it is not possible. No one brings club varieties to Poland, because that would mean ‘losing’ them. Besides, they are very happy with the current ‘bulk varieties,’ so they are also not really looking for anything else. Poland cultivates existing (bulk) varieties such as Gala, Red Jonaprince and Golden. They also do not have to advertise these varieties, because they are known on most markets. If there are no nightly frosts in spring, Poland is a very good country to cultivate apples in.”
Decent year
Up till now, the Polish are quite satisfied with the season. “Quality of the apples is extremely good, and demand is increasing significantly at the moment. Many indicate that this year is better than last year, price-wise. They might not have high prices in our view, but they have a (total) cost price that is 40 to 50 per cent lower than in the Netherlands and Belgium. As regards volumes, much is still sent ‘east.’ Additionally, they also export to countries such as India, China and various other markets. The Polish do not have anything left to learn in the field of trade, they are quite good at it.” For more information:
Peter van Arkel
Fruitadvies Zuid-Limburg
Bosrank 9
Gulpen 627
EG the Netherlands
Telefoon: +31 (0)6 113 603 23
www.fruitadvies-zuidlimburg.com
