Shock for apple farmers: dramatic crop failures in Stendal!

Shock for apple farmers: dramatic crop failures in Stendal!

The apple season in Stendal begins under a dark shadow! The harvest becomes a true tragedy that makes the hearts of farmers difficult.

The first blades of autumn bring bad news: after a catastrophic bloom in April, which was accompanied by frost nights and devastating hail, the apple trees in the region stand in front of a disaster. But a touch of hope blows through the barn by André Stallbaum, which fittingly organized the season opening in his shop. "It hardly rained for weeks," reveals the farmer optimistically. However, the apples should now wait for the rainy season - too late for this season, but better for the future.

devastating crop failures

The view of the orchards does not suggest much good! In many parts of the country, the yield is shockingly low. Jörg Geithhel, the chairman of the Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt fruit building association, is concerned: "Elsewhere, the crop failures are between 70 and 100 percent!", Geithel complains that the overall harvest is estimated to be terrifying ten percent of the previous year. Much of it will flow into industrial processing - only a fraction remains for the fresh market.

The apples that are lucky enough to reach the tree could cost expensive. But Geithhel has good news: thanks to the overproduction on the world market, a dramatic price increase that the families was cold could have been prevented. "The farmers don't sit on their apples! The industry also needs," he says confidently.

an expensive spring for farmers

and still, the local agriculture suffers! Stallbaum complains that they lost almost 100,000 euros in yield on a frost night. Despite the enormous challenges, the local sale remains upright: "We still have apples!" Regional partners have also agreed to deliver the goods. A somewhat shining point in this customer chaos!

not everything is lost. Stallbaum is committed to the "less perfect" apples. Surprising news for consumers: In the event of a blind tasting, the testers found that damaged apples often taste better than the flawless ones! A "harmful" apple can heal its wounds and produces more of these wonderful flavors that make the bite so irresistible.

The apple season could end like a bitter aftertaste, but there is a spark of hope. The sale of Christmas trees at the end of the year could bring the necessary breath to the Stendalers. But one thing is certain: the apple farmers will tackle the challenges with a strong will, even if it was a difficult season again.