Spring frosts in 2025 caused serious damage to orchards in the Odessa region. Stone crops — cherries, sour cherries, and apricots — suffered the greatest losses. According to EastFruit analysts, in some areas of the region the harvest of these fruits was completely destroyed, and overall losses could reach 50%.

As noted by Iryna Ishchenko, a professor at Odessa State Agrarian University, some farmers managed to avoid a complete catastrophe by growing new varieties with later flowering times. They bloomed after the main wave of cold snaps, which allowed up to 70–80% of the harvest to be preserved — depending on the specific crop and variety.

Unlike stone crops, seed crops, such as apples, pears, and quince, turned out to be more resistant to adverse weather. Although damage is recorded among them, these are mostly external defects - spots and distortions, which will not affect the taste of the fruits.

However, even in those fruits that have survived, a decrease in taste characteristics is possible. Experts warn: due to the lack of heat and sunlight, plants have accumulated less sugar, aromatic compounds and dyes, so berries and fruits may be less sweet and less saturated in taste.

Currently, the first batches of sweet cherries and garden strawberries have already appeared in the Odessa markets. Cherries and apricots are also expected to appear in the near future. However, consumers should be prepared for high prices: orchards affected by frost require additional costs for feeding, protection and restoration, and prices for plant protection products have also increased.

Thus, spring frosts have become a serious challenge for farmers in southern Ukraine. They have not only reduced the potential harvest, but also complicated the economic situation in a sector that is already suffering from the effects of war, unstable weather, and rising production costs.