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🇧🇪 Belgium /Elections & Politics

Hail-Damaged Apples Saved from Waste by Juice Campaign in Limburg

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Over 500,000 kilograms of apples damaged by recent hailstorms in Limburg are at risk of being wasted.
  • Waste Warriors has launched an apple juice campaign to process the cosmetically imperfect but still edible fruit.
  • The initiative aims to prevent food waste and support local farmers by covering their production costs.

A significant apple harvest in Limburg faces potential waste due to severe hailstorms, with over 500,000 kilograms of damaged fruit already reported. Waste Warriors is stepping in to salvage this crop through an innovative apple juice campaign.

At Waste Warriors, more than half a million kilos of apples have been reported by growers who say they have hail damage. Because this signal comes from only a few growers, the actual figure is likely much higher.

— Thomas SchiltzDescribing the scale of apple damage in Limburg.

Thomas Schiltz of Waste Warriors explained that the hail has caused cosmetic damage, resulting in small spots and dents on the apples. While the taste and quality remain unaffected, supermarkets are unwilling to accept the blemished fruit, risking its disposal. "We find that very regrettable, because a lot of apples would be lost because of it," Schiltz stated.

To combat this impending waste, Waste Warriors has initiated a "juice tap" campaign. Consumers can order a 5-liter box of freshly pressed apple juice made from the damaged apples via the organization's website. This ensures the fruit finds a purpose within the food chain.

These apples are still perfectly edible and perfect in taste. It is only an external characteristic that the supermarket does not want to accept. We find that very regrettable, because a lot of apples would be lost because of it.

— Thomas SchiltzEmphasizing that the damaged apples are still high quality despite their appearance.

The campaign serves a dual purpose: reducing food waste and providing financial relief to affected farmers. Waste Warriors aims to ensure that growers at least cover their production costs. Supporters can purchase juice boxes, donate them to food banks, or become members to receive a special apple-cherry juice blend.

Via our website, people can order a so-called 'juice tap', a crate of 5 liters of freshly pressed apple juice. In this way, the damaged apples still get a useful destination in the food chain.

— Thomas SchiltzExplaining the 'juice tap' initiative to combat waste.

The apples are slated for harvest around September 10, with pressing expected to take two weeks. Customers should receive their juice orders by the end of September. This effort highlights a community-driven solution to agricultural challenges.

We ensure that the farmers at least cover their cost prices.

— Thomas SchiltzStating the campaign's goal to support farmers financially.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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