Apple Cultivation Area Increases by 4.9% This Year, Pear Planting Declines

A citizen purchases fruit at Cheongnyangni Market in Seoul on February 13.

This year, the area dedicated to apple cultivation has increased by nearly 5% compared to last year. Despite recent climate anomalies and fluctuating apple prices due to reduced production, the expansion of cultivation area suggests a long-term increase in supply capacity. In contrast, while the pear cultivation area has remained stable compared to last year, a significant decrease in newly planted trees raises concerns about future production capacity.

According to the National Data Agency's report released on June 23, the apple cultivation area this year is 34,850 hectares, an increase of 1,639 hectares (4.9%) from last year's 33,212 hectares.

After a slight decline from 33,313 hectares in 2024 to 33,212 hectares last year, the apple cultivation area has returned to an upward trend this year.

The increase in cultivation area is particularly notable among young apple trees that have not yet begun producing fruit. This year, the area for apple-bearing trees is 23,791 hectares, up 612 hectares (2.6%) from the previous year. The area for young apple trees, which are not yet producing fruit, has grown to 11,059 hectares, an increase of 1,027 hectares (10.2%). While the increase in young trees does not immediately translate to higher production this year, it indicates a potential expansion of the apple supply base in the future. However, actual production levels may vary due to weather conditions such as low temperatures during flowering, summer heatwaves, heavy rains, and pest issues.

The pear cultivation area has seen a slight decrease. This year, the area is 9,302 hectares, down 14 hectares (0.1%) from last year's 9,316 hectares. Following a 1.1% decline last year, this marks a continuation of a long-term downward trend.

New plantings of pears have also decreased. This year, the area for pear-bearing trees is 8,477 hectares, an increase of 154 hectares (1.9%) from the previous year, but the area for young pear trees has dropped to 825 hectares, a decrease of 168 hectares (-16.9%). While the area for producing trees has increased, the reduction in new plantings raises concerns about future production capacity.

The pear cultivation area has shown a significant long-term decline. From 21,735 hectares in 2005, the area has decreased to 9,302 hectares this year, dropping to less than half over the past two decades.

This year, the area for barley cultivation has increased significantly. The barley cultivation area is 44,258 hectares, a 29.0% increase compared to last year. The area for barley has surged to 37,250 hectares, an increase of 12,016 hectares (47.6%), driving the overall growth in barley cultivation.

By specific crops, the area for brewing barley has increased to 8,723 hectares, up 3,293 hectares (60.6%) from last year. The area for rice barley has grown to 20,400 hectares, an increase of 7,017 hectares (52.4%), while the area for naked barley has risen to 8,126 hectares, up 1,706 hectares (26.6%). In contrast, the area for wheat has decreased to 7,009 hectares, down 2,063 hectares (-22.7%) from the previous year.

The area for spring potatoes has remained relatively stable compared to last year, with this year's area at 14,897 hectares, a slight decrease of 30 hectares (0.2%) from last year's 14,927 hectares.

* This article has been translated by AI.