French apricot production is estimated to be down 28%

France is experiencing a significant decrease in apricot production for the 2024 harvest, with estimates showing a 28% drop compared to 2023 and a 13% decrease compared to the average yield from 2019 to 2023. The country's production is projected to be 92,200 tonnes, as per a report from Agreste Conjoncture, an arm of the Ministry of Agriculture. This decline is attributed to factors such as alternation after a bountiful 2023, insufficient cold needs during winter, and a reduction in flowers and fruits due to rainfall during flowering season. The harvest is expected to happen approximately 1 to 2 weeks earlier than in 2023.