Understand
Worcestershire apple farmers face poor harvests and rising costs
Overview
Apple growers in Worcestershire report significantly smaller harvests and rising operational costs due to exceptionally hot weather during the summer. Industry yields are down by 15% to 40%, while input prices for items such as fertiliser, agrochemicals, and diesel have surged by around 60%, potentially leading to higher cider prices next year.
Key points
- Hot weather has caused fruit sizes to be up to 25% smaller than usual, leading to a substantial drop in overall yield and weight.
- Grower James Holloway expects his farm's harvest to drop from nearly 17,000 tonnes last year to between 12,000 and 13,000 tonnes.
- Industry-wide apple yields are estimated to be down by between 15% and 40%.
- Farmers are experiencing a double hit from poor weather and rising input costs, including a 60% increase in prices for fertiliser, agrochemicals, and diesel.
- Orchard Cider in Frith Common expects its harvest to fall from 350 tonnes to between 200 and 225 tonnes, reducing surplus sales despite a 12% rise in cider sales.
- Growers warn that the combination of reduced harvests and increased production costs could result in higher cider prices next year.