Even a Single Apple Is Expensive, Hands Tremble... "4,000 Soccer Fields Worth of Apple Orchards Disappear"

"Projected 30,090 ha Decrease by 2033
Prices Expected to Rise as Cultivation Area Shrinks"

It is forecasted that the apple cultivation area will decrease by 8.6% by 2033, causing a price increase.

On the 2nd, the Korea Rural Economic Institute projected in its Agricultural Outlook 2024 report that the apple cultivation area this year will decrease from 33,800 hectares, similar to last year, to 30,900 hectares by 2033, with an average annual decline of about 1%.

This corresponds to an area equivalent to 4,000 soccer fields (0.714 hectares each), meaning that over the nine years until 2033, the apple cultivation area will shrink by 2,900 hectares (8.6%).

In particular, the area of mature trees is expected to decrease from 24,700 hectares last year to 22,800 hectares by 2033 due to variety renewal, orchard aging and removal, and conversion to other crops. The area of young trees is expected to decline by 1,000 hectares to around 8,000 hectares.

As the cultivation area decreases, apple production is also expected to decline. The Korea Rural Economic Institute forecasted that production will drop from 502,000 tons this year to around 485,000 tons by 2033. Due to the gradual decrease in production, per capita apple (Fuji variety) consumption is expected to fall from 9.7 kg this year to 9.5 kg in 2033.

Last year, the number of fruit sets decreased due to spring low-temperature damage (cold damage, frost, etc.), and frequent summer rainfall and heavy downpours increased fruit drop. Additionally, during the harvest season, occurrences of diseases such as anthracnose and bitter pit increased.

As a result, apple production sharply dropped by 30% compared to the previous year, recording 394,000 tons, and prices soared to the extent that apples were called "golden apples." According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) agricultural product distribution information, the average retail price of apples was 29,088 won for 10 apples as of the 29th of last month, a 29.3% increase from 22,784 won a year earlier.

Meanwhile, as prices of fruits such as apples and pears rose significantly, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has promoted the sale of irregular-shaped (imperfect) apples and pears in collaboration with large supermarkets.