South Korea: Production of apples, pears, and peaches plummeted, due to low-temperature damage in spring

[Reporter Go Seong-jin, Korea Rural Newspaper] Production of apples, pears, and peaches this year is expected to decrease by at least 10% each compared to last year due to damage from low temperatures in spring. As shipments of watermelons, melons, tomatoes, and zucchini increase in July, wholesale prices (based on Garak Market in Seoul) are expected to show a downward trend. The Korea Rural Economic Institute announced this on the 5th in its’Fruit and Vegetable Observation’ data. Apple production this year is expected to be around 468,000 tons, down 17% from the previous year. It is expected to decrease by 8% compared to the previous year. According to a survey by the National Statistical Office, the cultivation area decreased by 2% compared to the previous year, and the number of crops is expected to decrease by 16% compared to the previous year due to low temperatures in spring, frost and hail damage. In July, apple shipments (Fuji) are expected to decrease by 32% compared ...