In member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), over the last five years, the gross crop of apples and pears has increased by 1.7%, to 2.3 million tons. This is according to recent numbers of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).
Apples account for 95% of the crop. The berry crop rose by 0.5%. Strawberries account for third of it -790,600 tons. Stone fruit crops, on the contrary, decreased slightly by 1.7%, to 843,000 tons. About half are apricots and cherries.
Overall, per capita output of berries and fruits in the EEU is 22 kg; not enough to provide the population of member countries with fruits and berries and meet modern requirements for healthy nutrition. Some 70% of fruits and berries are grown by rural households
A recommendation of the EEC on the development of cooperation of the EEU member states in the field of horticulture, adopted the day before, is supposed to help change the situation. In particular, the focus will be placed on selection and nursery of fruit and berry crops. It is expected to raise the competitiveness of the sector and boost the trade of fruit and berries among member states.
