Record pear crop, bumper apple crop

In 2007, a record pear crop of 260 million kg was harvested, an increase by 38 million kg relative to 2006. The 17 percent increase is attributable to an improved production per tree (11 percent) and an expansion of the pear tree area by 6 percent. The apple crop totalled 391 million kg, an increase by 26 million kg relative to 2006. The apple tree area was reduced by 2 percent, but favourable weather conditions generated a 9 percent apple crop increase.

Approximately 40 percent of Dutch apples and pears are grown in the Betuwe region and surrounding area, 15 percent are grown in the province of Flevoland and the northern part of the province of North Holland. The provinces of Zeeland and South Holland account for about 35 percent of the total Dutch pear crop and about 20 percent of the apple crop.

Apple and pear crops, 2007