The night of April 27 to 28, 2025, brought significant challenges for Ukrainian fruit farmers, according to EastFruit experts. This marks the third wave of spring frosts, which, unlike the previous ones, has affected even later-blooming and more frost-resistant orchards, particularly apple and pear trees. Will there be fruits in Ukraine in 2025, and how will this impact the harvest?
It should be noted that nighttime air temperatures varied not only across regions but also within individual localities. For instance, in orchards located in lowlands, temperatures often dropped to -5°C to -6°C, which could significantly damage crops in orchards blooming at this time. Meanwhile, in the same region, temperatures in hilly areas could be 3–4°C higher, reducing the likelihood of crop losses.
The majority of complaints about potential crop losses came from Vinnytsia Oblast, which is often considered as Ukraine’s horticultural capital. This suggests that orchardists in neighboring Moldova also faced issues. However, most farmers indicate that losses from this frost wave for apple and pear orchards will be minimal, though some impact is expected. Frosts may negatively affect the quality characteristics of fruits and reduce their suitability for long-term storage. Stone fruit crops, which have already bloomed and formed fruit sets, likely endured this frost wave without significant losses. However, crops still in the flowering phase may suffer additional damage. Reports also mention damage to strawberry plantations.
Growers warn that this third wave may not be the last—frost risks across Ukraine are expected to persist until at least May 17. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, short-term cold snaps are possible in May 2025, which could further complicate the situation for growers, especially in central and western regions.
Read also: Severe frost hits Türkİye, damaging vineyards and apricot orchards
Given the losses from previous frosts, it is highly likely that the overall production volume of stone fruits, such as cherries, peaches, nectarines, and apricots, in Ukraine will be relatively low. The bulk of consumption for these fruits will be satisfied by imports from southern EU countries, Turkey, and Central Asian countries. A decrease in the yield of summer raspberry varieties is also expected. Preliminary assessments suggest that blueberries have not been affected by the frost. As for apples, there is currently no basis to assume a significant reduction in harvest, but a precise evaluation will only be possible in the second half of May.
According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine, in 2024, only 20% of horticultural farms had access to modern frost protection technologies, making the industry vulnerable to climate change. In our opinion, this percentage is likely even lower. We have detailed how to protect your orchard from frosts in this article.
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