Fruit Farming Disaster in Montenegro: Stone Fruit Harvest Fails, Grape Picking Starts in 15 Days!
Are you ready for another season where nature and bad weather wreak havoc on our farmers? If not, brace yourself, because the stone fruit harvest in Montenegro this year is a total disaster!
Stone Fruits on the Brink
The company 13. jul Plantaže and other farmers across Montenegro are fighting a tough battle against the weather. Despite all the proper agricultural work being done, the yield of peaches and nectarines is much lower than expected. Milena Peruničić, director of viticulture and fruit production at Plantaže, reveals that only about a thousand kilograms of peaches and nectarines have been harvested so far, far below expectations.
Weather to Blame for Everything
Spring was so unfavorable that it thinned out the peach crop. Even though 72 hectares are planted with peaches and nectarines, the yield is significantly smaller. The meteorological conditions were so bad that the fruits barely developed. To make matters worse, the table grape harvest will start in 15 days, and there aren’t enough pickers!
Peach Prices Jump 35% – What About Consumers?
Due to the smaller yield, peach prices have risen by a whopping 35%. Plantaže claim that sales will be at last year’s level, but does that mean more expensive fruit for us regular folks? Looks like we’ll have to accept pricier summer treats again.
Viticulture Holds Hope
On the other hand, viticulture is in a somewhat better position. All work was done on time, vineyard protection is almost finished, and irrigation is in full swing, which is crucial since there have been no rains for over a month. Plantaže have several hectares under vineyards and hope for a good grape harvest.
What Does This Mean for Montenegro?
This situation isn’t just a problem for Plantaže or farmers. It’s a blow to domestic production, the economy, and our daily lives. When nature doesn’t cooperate, money can’t help. And with climate change hitting us harder, the question is how much longer we can rely on local fruit and wine.
Conclusion
The stone fruit harvest in Montenegro has failed this year due to bad weather, grape picking starts in 15 days with concerns about a shortage of pickers. Peach prices have jumped 35%, while viticulture still hopes for a good yield. Is this just the start of problems, or can we fight back against nature?
Got thoughts or already feeling the pinch of this bad harvest? Drop a comment below – maybe together we’ll find a solution or at least a good reason to laugh at this fruity drama!
