More sustainable Swiss cherries: 2025 harvest of 2,400 tonnes according to new standards

10 Jul 2025
325

Cherry harvesting is in full swing and, for the first time, Swiss cherries are even more sustainable: starting this season, they are produced according to the standards of the national sectoral program “Nachhaltigkeit Früchte” (Fruit Sustainability), with an expected harvest of 2,400 tonnes, according to the Swiss Fruit Association.

Since 2022, the national sectoral solution “Nachhaltigkeit Früchte” has existed for pome fruits. Starting this season, the program has been extended to include cherries and plums as well. Producers can choose from a range of measures and must reach a certain score, known as the “level of ambition.” This makes the stone fruit production even more sustainable.

The Role of Politics

National Councillor Priska Wismer-Felder, speaking at Jakob Wildisen’s farm in Hitzkirch (LU), praised the industry’s commitment and highlighted the responsibility of politics: “Politics plays a decisive role. Through targeted framework conditions, incentive programs, and legislative provisions, it creates the foundations for fruit growers to operate in an ecological, economically stable, and socially responsible manner.”

The national sectoral solution “Nachhaltigkeit Früchte” includes nine sustainability goals, with measures across the three dimensions of sustainability – environmental, economic, and social. Thanks to the wide catalog of measures, each company can choose those that best suit its needs to produce even more sustainably. Support for the program is high: already in the first year, about 75% of the cherry-growing area complies with the new requirements.

Production and Support

The main retailers and Swisscofel members support the initiative: for the additional effort, producers are compensated with 25 centimes per kilogram of cherries (around €0.26/kg).

Currently, cherry harvesting is in full swing. Swiss producers harvest between 400 and 500 tonnes per week during the peak season weeks, following the criteria of the new sectoral solution “Nachhaltigkeit Früchte.” The many hours of sunshine in May and June are ensuring crisp and sweet cherries, as explained by Bruno Eschmann, president of the Swiss Center for Cherry and Plum Production.

Text and image source: fruitnet.com


Cherry Times – All rights reserved

What to read next

How Uzbek cherries play a key role in the Central Asian market

Markets

04 Jul 2024

"The increase in domestic production has caused prices to fall and the cost-effectiveness has further squeezed market share,' says Zhu Jianfeng. 'Consequently, we have adapted our sales strategy to an order-based model".

How utilising wildflowers in the inter-row can improve pollination of crop under polytunnels

Tech management

16 Aug 2023

In 10 cherry orchards located in the West Midlands County (UK), wildflowers were cultivated in alleyways between rows of trees protected by polytunnels. The study involved the collection of data on the floral visitors of cherry and wildflowers over three years (2017-2019).

In evidenza

Turkey increases cherry and sour cherry production: new sustainable asphalt applications

Processed

01 Aug 2025

Turkey’s cherry and sour cherry production rises, prompting innovative ways to manage waste. Çurkova and Ege universities explore biochar from cherry residues to enhance asphalt durability and sustainability, supporting eco-friendly infrastructure.

Dried cherry production in Chile: GoodValley strategy and global markets

Processed

01 Aug 2025

Dried cherry production in Chile is growing with GoodValley, aiming to reduce waste and enhance value. From the Colchagua Valley to Asia, the strategy focuses on expanding exports and finding markets for an innovative and increasingly appreciated product.

Tag Popolari