Peach crop expected to be half last year's amount

Peach growers anticipate that this year peach production will be half the amount harvested last year and they hope that they will be able to sell the fruits at higher prices so that they can cover production costs. Alexandu Sulsari, the head of the National Federation of Agriculture and Food Industry Employers' Organizations, told Info-Prim Neo that according to field information, the situation is better for the apricot growers, but still not as good as in previous years. The growers took all the necessary measures to recover, as much as possible, the crop affected by frost and hail. Constantin Matcas, a farmer in Cahul district, has an orchard of 110 ha. The peach grower doubts that he will be able to harvest at least half of last year's product amount, which was of around 1 thousand tonnes of fruits. “I don’t even know if I am able to cope with all the expenses on maintaining the orchard. I just hope that it will be possible to get better prices for my fruits”, said Constantin Matcas. Peach producers in Tartaul de Salcie village, in Cahul district, say that some trees have no more than 2 peaches. Compared to previous years when the peach crop could reach 14-15 tones per ha, this year it is expected to pick no more than 5-6 tonne per ha. The blossoming was successful, but the buds were killed by low temperature and pests. The producers doubt if it is reasonable to continue spending on the maintenance of the orchards up to the harvest time, since they are afraid they will not be able to recover their expenses. Last year, because of an excessive supply on the market, prices plummeted to 3 lei per kg. Dumitru Bacancea, from Taraclia village, Causeni district, has a peach orchard of 25 ha. He says that he has a better crop than other growers he knows. “Probably we have better environmental conditions, however compared to the last year, the crop is much worse", he said. Dumitru Bacancea abstained from making any forecast regarding the prices for peaches and apricots, but he mentioned that he can not remember facing such hurdles in the past.