The harvest of early peach varieties (François, Lolita, etc.) has started in Greece. The production seems to be of good quality with large sizes. This year, the prices at origin have started at good levels, ranging between 90 cents and 1.20 Euro.
The Greek production of peaches and nectarines is mostly normal, with some fluctuations per region. The yields so far seem satisfactory and prospects point to good quality and large sizes for all varieties.
Mr. Tassos Chalkidis, president of the Agricultural Association of Farmers of Veria, told AgroTypos that “we have started the harvest of over-early varieties of peaches in Imathia. This year, the production seems to be of good quality with good sizes. Producer prices are good and we hope that this will also apply to rest of varieties. The demand seems to be good and the shift to fruit consumption due to the pandemic has helped."
Predictions for European production of peaches and nectarines
The forecasts for the European stone fruit production in 2020 were presented via teleconference at Europech, which took place on Friday, May 22nd.
At the meeting, chaired by Eric Hostalnou (Chambre d'Agriculture des Pyrénées-Orientales), Mr. George Kantzios spoke about the situation in Greece, Ms. Laura Stocchi (CSO) about Italy, Mr. Javier Basols (Cooperativas Agro Alimentarias) and Mrs. Sara Ruiz Chacon (Afrucat) about Spain and Mr. Bruno Darnaud (AOP Pêches et Abricots) about France.
According to the report, this year's total European production of peaches and nectarines is expected to reach 2.4 million tons, which is 19% less than in 2019 and a reduction compared to the average of the last five years.
According to forecasts, this year's production in Italy will reach 820,000 tons; in Greece, 303,500 tons; in Spain, 1,114,100 tons, and in France, 183,000 tons.
Source: agrotypos.gr