The prolonged heatwave is significantly affecting fruit cultivation in Belgium, with strawberry production experiencing notable changes. This year, strawberries are ripening much faster than usual, challenging local farmers to adapt quickly to the new conditions.
- Langdurige hitte versnelt fruitrijping aanzienlijk
- Aardbeienboeren plukken nu bijna dagelijks
- Snikhete serres verhogen werkdruk op boerderijen
- Aardbeien blijven kleiner door snelle rijping
- Leplat familiebedrijf werkt lange plukdagen
- Hitte beïnvloedt fruitteelt in regio sterk
Where strawberry growers typically harvest every three to four days, the intense heat means picking almost every day in the scorching greenhouses. On 2025-06-20 17:00:00, family-run farm Leplat in Oplinter was already working from early morning until late evening to keep up with the accelerated harvest schedule.
How does this rapid ripening impact the quality and size of the strawberries? And what does it mean for the future of Belgian fruit farming under climate stress? Let’s explore the key effects below.
Why are strawberries ripening so quickly, and what challenges arise? The extreme heat speeds up the fruit’s development, but this comes at a cost:
- Smaller strawberries as rapid ripening limits size growth
- Increased harvest frequency, nearly every day instead of every 3-4 days
- Higher labour demands, with farmers working longer hours in hot conditions
- Potential strain on production schedules and market supply
As the heatwave continues, Belgian farmers need to innovate and adapt their practices to sustain fruit quality and yields. Could new technologies or crop varieties offer solutions? Staying informed and supporting local growers will be key in the coming seasons.
