Luxembourg Growers Celebrate Bumper Apple, Plum Harvest

Despite heatwaves and scorching temperatures across Europe, Luxembourg's fruit growers are enjoying a highly successful apple and plum harvest this year. While places like southern France endured temperatures soaring to 40°C, leaving many farmers with dry soils, early fruit picking, and sun-damaged crops, Luxembourg’s growers say the conditions were surprisingly favourable. Jean-Claude Muller, president of the nation's Fruit-Growers' Association and owner of the Muller-Lemmer farm, highlights that last year’s wet weather replenished groundwater, strengthening orchards for 2025.

The sunshine and warmth have boosted fruit growth and improved the aromatic qualities of apples, mirabelles, and plums. After last spring’s damaging frosts, which hit yields in 2024, the lack of frost this year enabled robust blossom and fruit development, resulting in a bumper crop with excellent flavour and volume. Local producers report that both apples and stone fruits have performed well in both quality and quantity.

Nevertheless, Luxembourg’s fruit sector continues to face structural challenges. Production area growth has stagnated since the early 2000s, with current constraints including labour shortages and, especially, water availability in dry periods. Muller stresses that reliable access to irrigation is essential for long-term stability in fruit production. Another concern for growers is insurance coverage: while frost damage can be insured for some crops, stone fruits like mirabelles and plums are often uninsured, leaving farmers exposed to sudden losses and reliant on government aid in case of disaster.

Despite these hurdles, the 2025 season stands out as a success story for Luxembourg’s fruit growers, with fresh, high-quality produce reaching local markets and no immediate worries for the sector.  

For More Information: Luxembourg growers report a successful apple and plum harvest. - Fresh-market

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