European producers seek new strategies to survive in changing conditions
This year’s apple and pear harvest across Europe brought mixed results. While some regions enjoyed solid yields, others faced the harsh consequences of drought, heatwaves, and recurring diseases. France and Italy — two leading fruit producers — are confronting challenges that may reshape the entire fruit-growing sector.
In France, according to Fruchthandel, this season’s production is estimated at around 1.57 million tonnes of apples, slightly below last year’s level. Weather extremes — especially high temperatures and lack of rainfall — caused large regional disparities. The southern regions of Provence and Roussillon recorded yield drops of up to 25%, while the north fared better. Fruit quality remains uneven, and the market is highly sensitive.
In Italy, the situation is even more complex. Pear production, once the pride of Emilia-Romagna, has seen a dramatic decline. Traditional varieties such as Abate Fetel are losing ground due to climate shocks and rising costs. Many growers are considering switching varieties or even reducing orchards — a trend that could permanently alter Italy’s fruit-growing landscape.
But climate is not the only challenge. In Switzerland, researchers from Agroscope warn that apple powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha) is becoming harder to control during warm, dry summers. The fungus survives in buds and reappears early in spring, covering young shoots and leaves with a whitish layer. To better manage this disease, Agroscope and Union Fruitière Lémanique have tested forecasting models that help growers determine the optimal timing for fungicide application.
Results show that integrated disease management — combining precise forecasting with pruning, resistant varieties, and microclimate control — can significantly reduce the need for chemical treatments. Experts agree that this holistic approach is the only way to maintain stable production under increasingly unpredictable weather.
The lessons from France, Italy, and Switzerland are clear: the future of European fruit farming lies not in higher yields, but in smarter management, technology, and adaptation to a climate that no longer forgives mistakes.
