Climate change and declining consumption raise concerns at Interpera 2025 – FreshPlaza

Interpera 2025 Conference Report: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the European Pear Sector

From June 24 to 26, 2025, Interpera 2025 convened in Hasselt, Belgium, marking the first occasion that stakeholders from the entire European pear sector gathered collectively. Organised by VBT and ARELFH, the event served as a platform to reflect on recent developments and provide strategic direction aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible production, climate action, and economic growth.

Event Overview and Opening Remarks

Flemish Agriculture Minister Jo Brouns inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the sector’s three core pillars: research, promotion, and international cooperation. These pillars directly support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

European Pear Production: Current Status and Challenges

1. Production Trends
   • Europe’s annual pear production typically reaches 2 million tonnes; however, the 2023–2024 season yielded approximately 1.7 million tonnes.
   • Climate change, rising costs, and declining consumption were identified as key challenges, impacting SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
   • Italy and Spain experienced significant production declines, whereas the Netherlands and Belgium reported slight increases.
2. Varietal Diversity and Market Adaptation
   • The Conference pear remains dominant, accounting for nearly 50% of production in the Netherlands and Belgium.
   • Southern European countries, including Spain and Italy, are experimenting with new varieties to reduce monoculture risks and enhance market alignment, supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting biodiversity.
   • Belgium is exploring alternatives such as Sweet Sensation and Qtee to diversify production.

Country-Specific Insights

The Netherlands and Belgium

• The Netherlands faced a 10% reduction in harvest due to adverse weather, impacting quality and market timing.
• Belgium harvested only 60% of a normal yield, with declining domestic consumption from 2.2 kg to 1.74 kg per capita between 2020 and 2024.
• Calls for increased national pride and preference for locally grown pears align with SDG 12 by encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.

Southern Europe: Italy, Spain, and Portugal

• Italy’s production is recovering towards normal levels, with improved export volumes.
• Spain experienced severe losses due to frost, hail, and heat, reducing Conference pear harvest by nearly 50%, leading to record-high prices and decreased consumption.
• Portugal maintained stable production with Rocha as the leading variety; growers focus on sustainable cultivation and disease management, supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 15.

France

• France reported stable production of 137,000 tonnes with a diverse variety portfolio.
• Varietal diversity extends availability but increases marketing complexity, highlighting the need for efficient resource use consistent with SDG 12.
• Domestic consumption faces downward pressure.

Bottlenecks and Sectoral Trends

• Labour shortages and increased costs challenge SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Energy price volatility and packaging cost increases, partly due to environmental regulations such as plastic bans, relate to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13.
• Climate change demands more adaptable growing systems, reinforcing the urgency of SDG 13.
• Grower aging and succession issues threaten sector sustainability.
• There is a widespread push for greater varietal diversity to enhance resilience and biodiversity (SDG 15).

Strategic Directions and Innovations

1. Varietal Innovation
   • Promotion of new pear varieties such as Fred, Qtee, and Sweet Sensation aims to meet consumer preferences for taste, convenience, and diversity, supporting SDG 12.
2. Technological Advancements
   • Automation and staggered harvests are being adopted to mitigate labour shortages, aligning with SDG 8.
3. Marketing and Consumer Engagement
   • Enhanced marketing strategies and communication efforts are prioritized to boost consumption and support sustainable consumption patterns (SDG 12).

Outlook for the Upcoming Season

• Spain and Italy anticipate significant production recovery, with Spain expecting a 31% increase and Belgium a 25% rise compared to the previous year.
• The Netherlands projects a larger crop, while France forecasts a decline and Portugal expects stability.
• These forecasts suggest potential improvements in economic sustainability and food security (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger).

Additional Activities and Knowledge Sharing

• Presentations by representatives from BelOrta, the Euphrin Workgroup, and VLAM highlighted collaborative efforts supporting SDG 17.
• Technical sessions addressed cultivation challenges and postharvest solutions, fostering innovation and sustainable practices (SDG 9 and SDG 12).
• Site visits to BelOrta’s hard fruit sorting centre and PCFruit’s research station provided practical insights into sustainable production technologies.

Conclusion

Interpera 2025 successfully facilitated a comprehensive review of the European pear sector’s current status, challenges, and future opportunities, with a strong emphasis on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The event underscored the importance of innovation, diversification, climate resilience, and international cooperation to ensure a sustainable and prosperous pear industry in Europe.

For more information, please visit the official Interpera website: www.interpera.org

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1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses pear production volumes, challenges in agriculture, and food availability across Europe.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Issues such as rising costs, packaging regulations (plastic ban), and sustainable cultivation methods are highlighted.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – Climate change impacts on production, unpredictable harvests, and adaptation needs are emphasized.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Labour shortages, ageing workforce, and economic challenges in the pear sector are discussed.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Automation and research efforts to improve production and marketing are mentioned.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land – Concerns about emerging diseases and varietal diversity relate to sustainable land use and biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Production volumes – Tonnes of pears produced annually (e.g., Europe’s typical 2 million tonnes vs. 1.7 million tonnes in 2023–2024).
2. Consumption per capita – Domestic consumption rates in kg per person (e.g., Belgium’s decline from 2.2 kg in 2020 to 1.74 kg in 2024; Spain’s 3.8 kg per person).
3. Varietal diversity – Number and variety of pear cultivars grown to reduce monoculture risks.
4. Labour availability and costs – Labour shortages and increased labour costs affecting production.
5. Quality measures – Quality assessments of harvests (skin and flesh quality, storability).
6. Price levels – Market prices per kilo (e.g., Spain’s record prices reaching €4 per kilo).
7. Adoption of sustainable practices – Interest in sustainable cultivation methods and automation.
8. Export volumes – Growth in export volumes as an economic indicator.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: freshplaza.com