Despite high apple prices in recent seasons, starting a new orchard remains less attractive because the payback period is long.
Apple production is less profitable than many other agricultural directions. Initial investments are significant, and returns stretch over years, especially when yields depend on weather and market volatility.
The presence of infrastructure such as storage facilities and sorting lines significantly improves the economics of apple growing. It extends the sales season, reduces losses, and helps stabilize cash flow.
Growers also point to the high cost of labor, plant protection, and irrigation, which adds pressure on margins when prices soften.
One farm is not planning to expand orchard areas now and is focusing on efficiency of existing plantings and gradual improvement of technologies and varieties.
