The picture for Corinthian raisins so far appears better compared to last year, with initial estimates speaking of a 15% to 20% increase in production. Optimism in the sector remains, however, cautious, as there is still a significant period of time until the harvest and weather conditions can alter the situation even at the last moment.
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the president of the Interprofessional Organization of Corinthian Raisins, b, noted that the development of the crop so far allows the estimate that this year's production will move at higher levels than last year's.
“What we can say today is that production appears better than last year and may possibly be increased by 15% to 20%. We still cannot speak with certainty about a specific number of tons, as there is still a long way to go until the harvest,” he said.
As he explained, the production picture will become clearer during August, when growers will be approaching the harvest stage. Until then, the outcome will continue to depend to a large extent on the development of the weather.
This year's harvest is expected to begin later than usual, as the weather conditions of the previous months have shifted the ripening of the raisins.
According to Mr. Sotiropoulos, in the lowland areas the harvest is estimated to begin after August 20. In previous years, the first work usually began between August 5 and 10, while in some cases it started even from the first days of the month.
This delay is not considered negative in itself. However, it increases the period during which production remains exposed to dangerous weather phenomena, such as high temperatures, heavy rainfall, hail, and diseases.
“With climate change, many conditions have changed. Even shortly before the harvest, extreme phenomena may occur and create serious problems,” the president of the Interprofessional pointed out to ANA-MPA.
Already, in some cultivation areas, damage has been recorded from the frost that occurred in early May. The effects are local, but they are expected to affect final yields in the zones that were hit.
Too early for safe price forecasts
The issue of the producer price remains open, as at this time there is still no new product on the market and no clear commercial indications have been formed.
Mr. Sotiropoulos estimated that the price is unlikely to move lower than the levels of the previous year, clarifying, however, that the data can change depending on production, quality, and international demand.
The final price will depend on the volume of the harvest, available stocks, the quality of the product, and market interest. As he pointed out, in periods of increased demand and limited supply, prices are strengthened. On the contrary, when markets decline or stocks accumulate, pressures are created.
The sector's goal is for this year to combine better quantity with satisfactory quality and a price that will allow producers to cover the increased cultivation cost.
The reduction of acreage continues
Despite the encouraging indications for this year's harvest, the long-term course of Corinthian raisins continues to cause concern.
The cultivated areas have been steadily decreasing in recent years, especially after the pandemic period. In several areas, farms are being abandoned or replaced by other crops, as producers struggle to meet the increased demands.
An accurate picture of this year's acreage will be available after the completion of the OSDE declarations. According, however, to the president of the Interprofessional, abandonment is already visible in the countryside.
Corinthian raisins are among the most demanding and costly crops. The lack of labor hands, the increased expenses for energy and plant protection products, and climate instability create an environment of high cost and limited security for the producer.
At the same time, the entry of new people into the cultivation remains limited. The need for continuous care, the significant initial expenses, and the uncertainty regarding final income act as deterrents.
Request for restructuring of the crop
At the same time, the Interprofessional Organization is requesting the inclusion of Corinthian raisins in a restructuring program, similar to the one applied to wine-producing vineyards.
Such a program, according to Mr. Sotiropoulos, could contribute to the renewal of plantations, the modernization of production, and the provision of incentives for young people to get involved with the product.
“We have been asking for it for years, but to this day there has been no substantial response. Corinthian raisins are a historic product for the country and need a specific support plan,” he told ANA-MPA .