Netherlands: Fewer fruit trees available for fruit growers

The department bases its assessment on figures from the Naktuinbouw inspection service. This shows that the numbers of fruit trees for sale will decrease in the coming years. In addition to the trees themselves, fruit tree growers expect that there may also be a shortage of rootstocks. According to the LTO department of Trees, Perennials and Summer Flowers, the explanation for this is that fewer fruit trees have been produced in recent years as a result of international market developments. Sales in Eastern Europe, for example, have decreased and sales in Russia and Ukraine stopped due to the war. Figures from Naktuinbouw for propagating material for improved fruit crops show the decrease in Dutch production. In 2020, 11.8 million apple trees were registered for inspection. In 2023, this was approximately a quarter less at 7.9 million. Area of marsh beds 15 percent smaller The number of pear trees grown in the Netherlands was 3.9 million in 2020. That was still 3 million in 2023. ...