French apricot production expected to fall by 29%

“Apricot production should drop by 30 to 40% but I think we will be able to serve distributors with French apricots.” This was declared by Bruno Darnaud, president of the AOPn Peaches and Apricots of France, on the occasion of the presentation of forecasts for the European apricot harvest, on the opening day of the medFEl in Perpignan (Pyrenees). -Eastern). It must be said that 2023 production was very generous (123,333t), up more than 20% compared to the 2018-2022 five-year average. Rhône Valley, Gard and Crau struggling The basins of the Rhône Valley, Gard and Crau (Bouches-du-Rhône) are the most impacted by the drop in production, particularly affecting the Bergeron variety. “The explanation lies in a complexity of factors, starting with alternation,” declares Eric Hostalnou, head of the fruit and vegetable department at the Pyrénées-Orientales Chamber of Agriculture. The heavy rains recorded during flowering undoubtedly weighed on the load.” Bruno Darnaud talks about ...