Lake Constance apple growers battle climate shifts and market pressures
The Lake Constance region remains one of Europe's largest fast growing trees areas, producing around 250,000 tons of apples each year. With roughly 1,200 commercial orchards, it stands as Baden-Württemberg's most important hub for fruit production. However, growers now face increasing challenges from climate shifts and market pressures.
Over the past decade, apple yields in the region have varied between 120,000 and 180,000 tons annually. A slight decline of 5–10% has been observed, partly due to alternating bloom years and unpredictable weather. Mild winters have reduced essential chill hours for trees, while late frosts—particularly severe in 2021 and 2024—have damaged crops. Economic strains, including rising labour costs and competition from EU markets, have also squeezed profits, with prices fluctuating between €1.20 and €1.80 per kilogram.
The upcoming FRUCHTWELT BODENSEE trade fair in Friedrichshafen, set for 2026, will highlight solutions for these challenges. Organised by the Lake Constance Fruit Growing Association and the Competence Center for Fruit Growing Foundation, it will feature the latest innovations in the sector. Alongside the fair, the Lake Constance Fruit Growing Days will explore topics like agri-photovoltaics and digitalisation to support modern farming techniques.
Sabine Kurtz, State Secretary, has called for fewer bureaucratic hurdles and stronger incentives for sustainable technologies. The Fruit and Vegetable Sector Program already provides flexible funding for growers' organisations, helping them adapt to changing conditions. Despite the difficulties, the region's orchards continue to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.
The Lake Constance fruit growing sector remains vital to Germany's agricultural output, though climate and economic pressures persist. Events like FRUCHTWELT BODENSEE and ongoing funding programs aim to support growers in adopting new technologies. With targeted measures, the region's orchards are working to sustain production levels in the years ahead.
