Spring Frosts in Ukraine Damaged Fruit Orchards and Strawberries

The third wave of spring frosts overnight from April 27 to 28, 2025, negatively impacted Ukrainian orchards, causing significant damage to the fruits. According to agricultural experts, temperatures in some areas dropped to -5–6 °C, which particularly affected orchards during the flowering phase, especially in the Vinnytsia region, where the most complaints are reported.

This is reported by AgroReview

Impact of Frosts on Different Types of Fruit Crops

Experts state that the frosts affected not only stone fruits but also apple and pear orchards, which are usually considered more resistant to cold. Meanwhile, in orchards located on hills, temperatures were somewhat higher, reducing the level of losses.

Farmers predict minimal economic losses for apples and pears, but the quality of the fruits may deteriorate, especially regarding their long-term storage. The most developed buds of stone fruits such as peaches, cherries, nectarines, and apricots mostly withstood the frosts. At the same time, part of the strawberry harvest suffered damage, which may impact their yield this season.

Forecasts and Measures for Orchard Protection

The meteorological service warns of the possibility of new frosts until mid-May, particularly in the central and western regions of the country. According to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center, short-term cold spells are possible in May, creating additional risks for the harvest.

Due to the spring frosts, the harvest of cherries, peaches, nectarines, and apricots may turn out to be lower than expected. To ensure a stable supply of these fruits, the country will rely on imports from EU countries, Turkey, and Central Asia.

According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine, in 2024, only about 20% of farms used modern technologies to protect orchards from frosts, which reduces their ability to withstand such weather phenomena.