Farmers report record apple harvest after mild spring

Fruit growers are celebrating a record apple harvest after a mild spring and a warm, dry summer, with yields up by a fifth on last year.

The growers' association said prices for consumers should fall slightly in the coming weeks, and asked supermarkets to stock more local varieties.

The opposition said it would examine the details carefully, but several of its members signalled support for the main idea during the debate.

Regional governments will receive guidance from the ministry over the coming weeks. Officials said they would review the first results after one year.