"Expectations are high, but unfortunately apple prices are very low." The harvest of the Red Delicious apple variety, one of the most representative varieties of the region, has begun. The harvest started but the situation is as critical as that of the pear. The president of the Chamber of Producers from Roca said they were at a key point of the season, but that there were many uncertainties and many unfulfilled promises.
"I think nobody has received money from the famous revolving fund. We asked for these contributions urgently so we could afford the harvest. We have presented all the papers and, at least around here, nothing has happened up to date," said José García, a community leader. "It's not only going to be too little, it's also going to be too late," he lamented.
He also stated that the farmers who had been affected by the hail had not received the assistance they were promised, so they asked the Fruit culture authorities to arrange a meeting with governor Alberto Weretilneck.
"We're going to tell him how things are. Not a single producer from Roca that has been affected since 15 December has received assistance. Meanwhile the AFIP is intimidating everybody. The emergency was accepted at the provincial level, but we still need it to be accepted at the national level," he said.
The producer said the harvest of the Red Delicious variety and its clones was underway and that they had finished collecting pears, but that they were worried as much of the fruit couldn't be harvested because of the hail that affected over 1,500 hectares in this locality. "Plant health worries us, we'll see what happens with the carpocapsa next year."
The Chamber estimated that, among other things, juicing companies decreased prices, and nearly 30% of the Williams variety remained in the plants because of the climate phenomenon.
"We hope things will improve," said Daniel Perez, a producer and former leader of the Chamber of Producers. "The Red apple clones harvest started, the pear harvest ended, and the producers that were not affected by the hail are getting prepared for the next season. Sizes are smaller than in other seasons, but there'S a good heat so we have high expectations," he said.
