The "Kuban Gardeners' Union" has issued an open statement advocating for a ban on apple imports to Russia. The agrarians argue that they can meet the demand with their substantial harvests of domestic products and significant efforts to expand the region's fruit orchards.
According to the Union, over the past five years, more than 8,800 hectares of perennial plantings have been established in the Krasnodar Territory, with about 6,000 hectares (70%) being super-intensive apple orchards. These orchards have an estimated yield of 40 tons per hectare, which is double the yield of traditionally grown orchards. Several large investment projects for establishing orchards were implemented in the Krasnodar Territory from 2020 to 2024, with these orchards entering their commercial fruiting period in 2024. Annually, the Kuban region produces about one-third of the country's fruit and berry products.
"So far, weather conditions in the Krasnodar Territory have been favourable for the good development of the apple harvest. As of the end of May, the situation in the farms is normal, and the fruits are ripening well. The gardeners are successfully carrying out all the necessary agricultural activities. According to our forecasts, the apple harvest in the Krasnodar Territory will exceed that of 2023. Members of the "Kuban Gardeners' Union" oppose the import of foreign fruits into Russia", - the statement published by the organization.
Source: livekuban.ru