Polish blackcurrant growers are facing a difficult situation this season with general oversupply on the European market.

"There is huge production of blackcurrants in Poland so there is often these kinds of problems with a glut in the European market," International Blackcurrant Association Stefanie Sharma tells www.freshfruitportal.com.

"From the latest figures I have, Polish growers were expecting approximately 100,000 metric tons (MT) this year and the harvest has only just started last week or so and will continue over the coming weeks, so it's quite possible final volumes could be even more.

"In Poland the blackcurrant season in terms of production looks very good, but if there is a huge amount on the market, prices will be low and this can cause problems for the industry in terms of covering production costs and so on."

Sharma was involved in a blackcurrant conference in Lithuania in June where discussions pointed towards a general oversupply of the fruit in Europe, due to disagreements over production and the high volumes generated.

"Before harvesting of blackcurrants began, we heard some concerns from Polish growers expecting high yields and low prices.

"Of course we can only advise on how best to avoid these kinds of problems in the future, we cannot force anyone. However, each country needs to look at its production and the costs received for the produce.

"In Poland, there are growers of blackcurrants who also produce other crops and they harvest what they can, when they can and sell at whatever prices they can."

French growers recently informed the International Blackcurrant Association how agreements had been reached not to harvest all yields simultaneously in order to avoid a glut on the market and keep prices stable.

"But in Poland, it's my understanding that some people don't agree with this way and don't agree on the overall volumes which are harvested leading to overproduction and oversupply."

According to Polish National Association of Black Currant Growers (KSPCP), Poland accounts for 57% of blackcurrant production in Europe.

There is also disagreement about the low prices being offered for processing the fruit in Poland.

A protest committee, headed by Wieslaw Rypina of the KSPCP, has been set up calling for manufacturing companies to stop buying blackcurrants for processing to help prices recover.

In a letter he appeals to manufacturers to 'suspended collections and cessation of raw material' until prices increase and describes this season’s price offer to growers as 'offensive to human dignity' and an 'expression of contempt for us and our families hard work'.

Meanwhile, Poland's Ministry of Agriculture is monitoring the blackcurrant situation with undersecretary of state Tadeusz Nalewajk planning a series of consultations on the issue geared towards stabilizing the fruit's market position.

www.freshfruitportal.com