Irish apple growers say that the recent stormy weather is to have a serious impact on their crop yield this year. Two storms in as many weeks recently have seriously affected orchards across the country and growers now say that over 30% of this year's apple crop has been lost due to weather conditions.
Storm Ellen and Storm Francis hit Ireland in the last two weeks. These events resulted in a large number of apples fallen from trees before being fully mature and many more trees breaking in the strong winds.
James O'Donoghue from county Tipperary estimates that he has lost more than two dozen apple trees in the last two days. He told rte.ie that the recent storms, in addition to the late frost in May followed by a prolonged dry period, has led to losses of over 30% in the crop yield for some growers.
While about 5% of the apples consumed in Ireland are produced in the region, O'Donoghue said that although the impact of this year's weather events on apple growers may not be felt by consumers, the effects of the weather this growing season will mean that many growers will be facing a loss in their business due to reduced yields.