Fruit, berry, and vegetable harvest outcomes have shown considerable variation across Latvia this year, according to representatives from various farmers' organizations in discussions with Latvian Radio on October 6. While apples and blueberries have reported favorable yields, garlic, and onion production have not fared as well compared to previous years. Despite this, the primary crops are anticipated to meet local market demands.
Jānis Bērziņš, leading the Latvian Gardener's Association, highlighted that the yield for major crops could be up to a third less than the average. "It can still depend on October. It's very bad for onions and garlic, where the spring cold delayed and then the drought. The second is diseases. This year [the vegetables] don't want to be stored." He further noted the challenging climate conditions, including droughts and heavy rains, which have impacted the storage potential of produce such as potatoes.
Despite these challenges, Bērziņš remains optimistic about meeting local vegetable demands, provided that local farmers' produce is prioritized by traders. However, availability issues persist for certain vegetables like beetroot, cabbage, or carrots.
Similarly, Raivis Bahšteins from the Latvian Organic Farming Association observed regional disparities in vegetable yields, attributing them to varying weather conditions across Latvia. He mentioned, "Vegetable growers say that the year is average and the quality of the harvest also varies." Bahšteins also pointed out the successful yields of smaller crops such as Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, alongside a noteworthy cabbage production in some areas.
On the fruit front, organic apple orchards have seen a productive season, recovering from the previous year's frost damage. Māra Rudzāte, head of the Latvian Fruit Growers Association, reported a bountiful blueberry harvest, despite initial frost challenges, crediting farms with frost protection measures. However, she underscored the labor shortages faced by blueberry farms, urging authorities to address this growing issue.
Source: LSM+