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Belgium to destroy over 25,000 tonnes of apples and pears
Belgian apple and pear growers are being forced to destroy part of their harvest this year due to the Russian embargo on agricultural products, report various media.
The embargo has increased pressure on the fruit market elsewhere in Europe, as well, especially in other major apple-producing countries such as Poland and Italy, where destroying part of the harvest has also become a reality. Approximately 10,000 tonnes of surplus apples and pears have been destroyed so far this year in Belgium.
European regulation allows for Belgium to destroy up to 25,700 tonnes of apples and pears in 2016, or about 4% of Belgian production. The measure takes effect when apple prices drop below €0.10 per kilo, and pears below €0.12. The farmers receive EU compensation for the destroyed fruit, which could otherwise destabilise the European fruit market.
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Utterly insane on so many levels.
If not allowed under famous EU regulation, how about shipping the fruit to areas of the world which are suffering food shortages/malnutrition. Are we stupid in not being allowed to do this or unable to do it? Shame on us if this fruit goes to waste.
Completely agree with the comments. Some organisations like OXFAM, UNHCR, ... should ship containers to those starving in war zones. Or volunteers should make fruit puree to put in freezers!
Indeed, this situation is unbelievable.
Why not distribute the fruit here in Belgium to local schools, hospitals, creches, old age homes, markets - for free - as the farmers are being compensated anyways by the EU...