Peaches and nectarines: Morocco will continue to supply Europe

According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Morocco is expected to increase its exports of stone fruits, especially peaches and nectarines, to the European market. Indeed, it will face a 15% drop in production mainly due to weather conditions. In Europe, the 2020 yields of peaches and nectarines are expected to drop by 15% compared to 2019. The main stone fruit producing countries in the EU are expecting 3.4 million tonnes of these fruits, reports Freshplaza. This expected decrease is due to unfavorable spring weather conditions. There is also a continuous decrease in the area planted. The planted agricultural area is forecast to fall to 216,550 ha this year. EU cherry production is estimated at five percent lower - 702,700 tonnes. It is for the period from April 2020 to March 2021. Here too, the weather is at the origin of the decrease. In 2020/2021, the total cherry tree area in the EU will stabilize at around 162,000 ha. The EU exports far more ...