Estonian apple growers suggest that the mechanization of farming could help reduce prices and make local apples more competitive against imports from countries like Spain and Poland.
Estonian apple growers are struggling to compete with cheaper imports from Spain and Poland and believe that the price of local apples could be more reasonable if the government invested in the mechanization of labor-intensive horticulture. Currently, many local stores, including the largest food retailer in Järvamaa, Paide Maksimarket, are unable to offer Estonian apples, relying instead on imported varieties. The store manager, Eve Kuldre, acknowledged that price differences play a significant role in consumer choices, emphasizing that the lower price of Polish apples heavily influences sales.
Kuldre cited a stark contrast in price between organic apples, priced at €4.99 per kilogram, and Polish apples at just €0.99 per kilogram. This price disadvantage makes it challenging for local growers to attract customers, as the lower-priced imports are more appealing to shoppers despite the potential benefits of purchasing locally. The absence of locally sourced apples on store shelves reflects this trend, with Kuldre confirming that the last time they had local apples in stock was back in December during a promotional campaign.
In contrast to retailers facing challenges with local supplies, the Halika apple farm in Räpina, Põlvamaa, has a significant selection of Estonian apples available on its website. This disparity highlights the underlying issue of production costs and market accessibility for local growers, suggesting that without investment in mechanization, Estonian horticulture may continue to struggle to remain competitive against foreign imports.
