Russia will be a true competitor in the apple sector

The fact that Russia aims at being self-sufficient as regards the production of fruit and vegetable…

The fact that Russia aims at being self-sufficient as regards the production of fruit and vegetable is common knowledge. According to economist Gianluca Bagnara, the Russian ban against European produce is just a test to organise its own production chain.

During a recent convention, Jochen Kager from AgroFresh illustrated his report on "New apple orchards in Eastern Europe or east of Europe?". According to official data, Russia grows apples on 209,240 hectares producing on average 15 tons per hectare. New plans are strictly connected to state funding.

"The first so-called 'high-density' orchards were planted in 2002 in Krasnodar and Crimea. Investors relied on Europe for technical skills, plants and systems and developed projects covering as much as 1,000 hectares each. Today, 10,000 new hectares have been planted planted in Krasnodar as well as 3,000 in Kabardino-Balkaria and an additional 1,000 in surrounding areas. Another 6,000 might be planted over the next three years."

Granny Smith apples are losing popularity, while 30% of the new orchards are of the Fuji variety. "There is a lot of interest for scab-resistant varieties, while organic production methods are not an objective yet. New orchards are covered with anti-hail nets, while often there is not enough water for anti-frost systems. State funding can cover up to 75% of costs."

Other nations
Poland can count on 180 thousand hectares, 60,000 of which equipped with modern systems. Professional orchards might grow by 10% over the next three years. Kager reported that Polish operators are adapting quickly to the Indian and North African markets. Currently, producers plant mainly Gala (40%), Red Delicious (20%), Red Prince (20%), Golden (15%) and new Champion clones.

Over the next few years, new competitors might emerge, Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia all expanded their cultivated areas (from 2,000 hectares on 2008 to 5,000). Montenegro cultivates 700 modern hectares and is not included in the ban.

In addition, Kazakhstan is becoming an exporter. According to state data, 55% of apple orchards are of the modern type. The closest markets are Russia and China and the most popular varieties are Gala 40%, Red 20%, Golden 20%, Granny 10% and Fuji.

Uzbekistan is growing too, with 1,000 hectares of traditional orchards and 800 hectares of modern orchards.

China is a totally different matter, as it has 2.32 million hectares, 40% are still to modernise. It could be an excellent outlet for nursery gardeners and service suppliers from Italy as well, but businesses must get organised and work as a team.