Changeable weather and an early harvest define this year’s plum season

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 08. 16. 11:14

This year, the amount of plum harvest may turn out to be more favorable compared to previous years, despite the fact that due to spring frosts and the cold effects of the weather, a larger than usual amount of plum fall is experienced. According to Péter Kelemen, the executive director of the Hungarian Vegetable and Fruit Association, this year’s domestic plum harvest is expected to be around 50-60 thousand tons, which shows a significant increase compared to the average of the past years.

The harvest season started two to three weeks earlier than usual this year, which is partly due to the variability of the weather. Currently, mid- and late-ripening plum varieties are the most sought-after, which can be found in large areas throughout the country.

However, extreme heat is a serious challenge for producers. Prolonged drought and atmospheric drought stunts plum growth, and some more sensitive varieties may even dry out on the tree. If the dry weather persists for a long time, a significant decrease in the yield can be expected.

Plums used to be a significant export item in Hungary, but due to crop failures in recent years, the exported quantity has drastically decreased. However, the domestic processing industry continues to process the crop in large quantities, some of which goes to foreign markets, mainly Germany.