Low Raspberry Yields and Initial Farm-Gate Prices in Lublin Region, June 2026

The 2026 Polish raspberry season has started with limited ground harvests and farm-gate prices for processing raspberries at €2.1–2.8/kg in the Lublin region. Weather-related damage has led to expectations of yields at only 40–50% of full potential in key production areas.

The purchase of ground-grown raspberries for processing has begun in Poland, particularly in the Kraśnik and Opole Lubelskie counties, with the first deliveries arriving at collection points since early June. As of mid-June 2026, farm-gate prices for industrial raspberries (second class) in the Opole and Kraśnik areas stand at €2.1/kg (9.00 PLN/kg), while top-quality raspberries delivered in 3-kg containers are priced at €2.8/kg (12.00 PLN/kg).

Supply remains limited due to significant weather impacts. Cold spring temperatures and late frosts in late April and early May have caused extensive damage to many field plantations, resulting in weakened plant condition, disrupted flowering, and uneven cane development. Local growers in the Lublin region report that current fruit set on bushes reflects only the first two harvests, with overall yields expected at 40–50% of a normal crop.

Production under tunnels is also ongoing, with small quantities of lower-grade raspberries (tunnel-grown, for freezing as 'grys') being purchased for €2.1–2.3/kg (9.00–10.00 PLN/kg) depending on volume. These supplies are sourced from scattered small producers, as many tunnel growers focus on higher-quality fresh fruit and volumes remain modest, often only 50–100 kg per supplier.

Demand from processors is present but cautious, as buyers are monitoring both Polish supply and the situation in competing countries, particularly Ukraine and Serbia. While initial prices in Serbia are higher (about €4.0/kg equivalent), Polish processors are focused on local supply and the anticipated shortfall in domestic production. Exports and imports remain secondary in the current trade discussions, with the main concern being the volume available for the domestic processing industry.

Weather continues to play a critical role, with ongoing stress from earlier frosts and current high temperatures affecting both flowering and fruit development in open-field and tunnel-grown raspberries. The main harvest in key regions is expected to reach full swing within a week, but total available volumes remain uncertain due to these climatic challenges.

Compiled from Polish trade press (2026-06-18)