South Korea's apple orchards are anticipated to shrink significantly over the next decade, a study by the Korea Rural Economic Institute reveals. The forecasted reduction, equating to the size of approximately 4,000 football fields, is attributed to the adverse impacts of extreme weather conditions on apple yields. The institute's annual agricultural outlook indicates a projected decrease in apple orchard area from 33,800 hectares to 30,900 hectares by 2033, marking an annual reduction rate of about one percent.
The decline in the area dedicated to mature apple trees, from 24,700 hectares to 22,800 hectares over the same period, is attributed to various factors including improvements in apple varieties, orchard closures, and a demographic shift towards an aging population. As a result, apple production is expected to fall from 502,000 tons to 485,000 tons, with per capita consumption slightly decreasing from 9.7 kilograms to 9.5 kilograms by 2033.
Climate change has been a significant driver of reduced apple harvests since the 2020s, with particularly severe weather conditions last year exacerbating the situation. A 30 percent drop in yields was recorded, leading to a sharp 29.3 percent increase in apple prices. As orchard areas continue to diminish, further price hikes are anticipated due to the resultant lower yields.
Source: donga.com