Normalized apple harvest in Thuringia after frost damage in 2024!

Normalized apple harvest in Thuringia after frost damage in 2024!

After a challenging year of frost, Thuringian fruit growers are happy about a return to normal yields. While last year's apple harvest was almost completely unsuccessful and yields per hectare fell by a full 85 percent, the signs for 2025 are significantly better. This reports n-tv.

Last year's frost, particularly a devastating late frost night at the end of April, caused massive harvest-related problems. This year, however, things are looking promising for Thuringia's largest fruit growing company, Fahner Obstgenossenschaft. Board member Michael Bley emphasizes that the quality and quantity of the fruit are comparable to normal. Fortunately, the dreaded late frost largely didn't occur this year, although some hail damage resulted in total damage to individual areas. These fruits are only suitable for juice production.

Frost damage and financial support

Despite the optimistic outlook for the current harvest, the effects of the past frost are far from over. Many fruit growers have applied for financial help after the catastrophic yields in 2023, when 85 percent fewer apples could be harvested per hectare. Loud MDR Numerous companies, including wine growers, have sought help from their local banks and submitted applications for help to the Thuringian state government.

The federal government has already applied for EU aid for the frost damage, which is expected to be formally decided in October. This aid is intended to offset part of the income, but turns out to be a limited solution: it only covers a little less than a third of the damage. Many companies are therefore considering short-time work and temporary layoffs are also on the table.

The situation in fruit growing

A look at the harvest situation shows that the plum harvest has already been completed. However, the pear harvest falls short of expectations. The apple harvest is expected to last until the end of October. Yields per hectare of other fruit species were also affected by frost, with around 90 percent of the fruit dying in some cases. Even the harvest of sweet cherries was 85 percent lower than last year, while sour cherries also recorded significant losses.

The weather conditions played a decisive role: In addition to frost, frequent rainfall also caused fungal diseases, which particularly affected rapeseed. However, agriculture does not appear to be in a total crisis. The feed supply as well as grassland and pastures remain secure for animal husbandry.

All in all, fruit growers are now hoping for a productive season and to make up for the yields lost due to frost. At least the apple harvest promises to be a positive sign in a year full of challenges. The Thuringians report on the much-needed hopes of farmers and the challenges that still lie ahead of them.