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Irish Apple Growers Association
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2002 Irish Apple Census
The results of the 2002 National Apple Census show that the
apple industry in Ireland is still performing well, despite
depressed prices world-wide, and a climate which, though suited
to producing fruits of excellent flavour, constrains the maximum
yields to about 60% – 70% of those typical in warmer
countries.
Principal results:
- 631 hectares (1580 acres) of commercial orchard farmed by
46 growers
- Total production of almost 11,000 tonnes.
- Farm gate value of the crop was € 2,600,000 or € 236
per tonne.
- 52 full-time and 266 part-time employees involved.
- 33% of orchards less than 4 years old (not in full
production).
- Average yield of producing orchards approximately 22 tons
per hectare.
- Bramley’s Seedling accounts for 47% of the area under
production.
- Cider orchards account for 24% of production area.
- Main eating varieties grown are Jonagold (various types)
– 7% of national acreage and Elstar – 4% of national
acreage.
- Counties Dublin, Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Louth
accounted for 91% of the total production area.
- Storage capacity of 10,000 cubic metres, comprising
cold-stores and controlled atmosphere stores is adequate to
hold most of the national crop in a typical year.
IAGA comments:
- The age structure of orchards is very good, with 33% yet
to come into full production.
- Average yields of producing orchards are poor, and could
be expected to be 50% higher in a year without frost damage.
- The average price of € 236 per ton is poor, and IAGA
efforts to improve this are ongoing, with negotiations for a
better price for processing apples, and a Bord Glas backed
project to improve the status of eating apples with
retailers and consumers.
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