Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Ukraine will decrease apple production and increase import
The Agricultural Marketing Project decreased 21% the forecasted apple yield in Ukraine 2005 comparing to June forecast; the reason is the negative influence of the weather conditions. In many regions rain, hail and cold weather made ovaries drop in the stage of formation. The most significant decrease of these popular fruits' growth is expected in western regions, where the main production is located. At the same time apple yield may be higher in eastern oblasts than in 2004, and in central oblasts - approximately on the past year level.
So, despite of the fact that according to our estimations apple production may decrease 15-25% in Ukraine 2005, in winter the marketable apple is expected to cost 50-70% less than a year ago. It will become possible due to the coming increase of the apple import after the reduction down to 5% of the seasonal import tax from December 1st till March 31st. At the same time, the competition for apples for processing into apple concentrate and further export to the EU countries will increase most probably. The reason for it will be the consequent reduction of the share of old orchards in the perennial structure and the increase of the producers of apple concentrate, and also consumption growth within the country.
You can get more information about the decrease of the import taxes on fresh and processed vegetables and fruits and its long-term influence on Ukrainian produce business during the second international conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2005" to be held in Kyiv on 5th -7th of December 2005.