Producers of the Poma de Girona Protected Geographical Indication expect to harvest 96,290 tons of apples this year, a higher volume than the 88,570 tons achieved last season. If forecasts are right, this year's production will be the second highest so far, only surpassed by the 101,750 tons achieved in 2021. Despite the state of emergency due to the drought and high temperatures, short and medium-term forecasts indicate that the PGI will continuously produce more than 100,000 tons over the next few years.
Representatives of the IGP Poma de Girona, the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Diputació de Girona, and writer and journalist Martí Gironell have kicked off the harvest. (Pictures by Rafel Bosch/Poma de Girona).
The measures taken to address the lack of rainwater (such as drip irrigation and the construction of emergency wells) and the abundant rains during spring are key factors to exit the emergency scenario. This has allowed producers to face the season with peace of mind. "There's still concern among producers because this could happen again next autumn or in the spring of 2025 if it doesn't rain regularly. So producers, irrigators, and the administration must stay focused and work together," stated the president of Poma de Girona, Jaume Armengol.
Apple production remains high and, for the fourth consecutive year, will exceed 85,000 tons. This is partly due to the 10% increase in production area over the past 5 years, but mainly because of this year's abundant and long flowering and good weather conditions, which have allowed for good pollination.
The quality of the apple is expected to meet the standards required by the PGI but its size won't be exceptionally large because of the high level of fruit load per tree. The harvest, which will last four months, was officially started in an act held at IRTA - Mas Badia, in Canet de la Tallada (Baix Empordà).
Production will once again be led by the Golden variety, with 34,260 tons, followed by the Gala variety (21,970 tons), the Granny Smith variety (14,420 tons), and the Red variety (5,820 tons). Other innovative varieties grown include the Fuji (7,950 tons) and Cripps Pink (7,550 tons) apples. "There's been a 12% increase over last year and all varieties are increasing," Bernadet stated.
Poma de Girona's production accounts for 36% of Catalonia's and almost 20% of Spain's apple production, as approximately one in every 5 apples produced in Spain comes from Girona.
For more information:
IGP Poma de Girona
Tel.: +34 972 78 08 16
[email protected]
https://pomadegirona.cat