Saxony's apple growers expect record harvest

Saxony's fruit growers are expecting a good apple harvest this year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the harvest is estimated at just under 47,000 tons - significantly more than last year, when late frosts only allowed around 5,460 tons to be harvested.

"When Saxony's fruit growers start picking apples these days, they are harvesting the work of an entire year, which involves the passion of many people and also a piece of home," said Minister of Agriculture Georg-Ludwig von Breitenbuch. Together with the fruit growers' association, the CDU politician opened the season in Dohna in the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge. Unlike last year, the growing conditions were more favorable. "The blossom was already promising, and fruit growers can look forward to high yields and a successful 2025 season."

Shadow sides of the record season

Von Breitenbuch also pointed out challenges such as increasing droughts, low producer prices with rising costs, the planned minimum wage increase and fewer available pesticides. "New solutions are needed here in cooperation with research and politics," emphasized the minister. The Free State will continue to support fruit growing "despite the tight budget situation".

Apples remain the most important fruit crop in Saxony, accounting for around 60 percent of the fruit-growing area. Varieties such as Gala, Elstar, Pinova and Breaburn dominate on around 2,029 hectares. The season opening was hosted by Beck's Obstscheune in Dohna, which grows apples, cherries, plums, berries and peaches on 150 hectares.