Despite weather-related challenges, the farm expects a larger harvest than last season. According to executive director Iulia Mitre, production is estimated at 250 to 300 tons, compared with approximately 80 tons harvested in 2025, when much of the crop was affected by frost.
“We estimate a production of 250–300 tons of cherries this season. It is a much higher harvest. Last year we had only about 80 tons, the rest being compromised by frost. This year we managed to protect the orchard, and the difference is directly visible in the quantity,” said Mitre.
The farm attributes the increase in production to frost protection measures implemented during the spring. In April, management used approximately 4,000 anti-freeze candles during a night of sub-zero temperatures that threatened flowering and fruit set.
“We had a few frost episodes this year too, but we overcame them brilliantly. On critical nights we lit candles in the orchard, which raised the temperature among the trees enough to save the flowers and fruit setting,” Mitre said.
According to the farm, the frost protection effort involved an investment of €40,000 (US$45,900).
The orchard also uses a range of weather-protection systems, including rain covers, anti-hail nets, anti-freeze turbines and mills, Frostbuster equipment, irrigation systems, and anti-freeze candles.
“We use them depending on what the weather brings us,” said Mitre.
The farm is currently selling cherries at 35 lei/kg (US$7.90/kg). According to farm representatives, pricing reflects supply and demand, as well as production costs and orchard protection investments.
Source: Fresh Plaza
