去年三块今年三毛，山楂价格跌十倍，农户：采得越多赔得越多

Core Insights - The sweet red hawthorn industry in Nianliuqian Village, Shandong, is facing unprecedented sales difficulties, with prices dropping significantly compared to previous years [2] - The decline in hawthorn prices is attributed to multiple factors, including adverse weather conditions and increased competition from neighboring towns [2][3] - Farmers are struggling with the cost of harvesting versus the selling price, leading to some choosing to abandon their crops [2] Group 1: Price Decline - The wholesale price for high-quality hawthorn is around 2.7 to 3 yuan per pound, down from approximately 3.5 yuan in the same period last year [2] - Ordinary or damaged hawthorn can be purchased for as low as 0.3 to 0.5 yuan per pound, with some even dropping to 0.25 yuan [2] Group 2: Harvesting Challenges - The cost of hiring labor for harvesting is between 100 to 120 yuan per day, which is not sustainable given the current low prices [2] - Many farmers, like Li Hong, are opting to leave their hawthorn unharvested due to the financial losses associated with harvesting [2] Group 3: Storage and Future Outlook - Cold storage facilities are being utilized to hold large quantities of hawthorn, with one operator storing around 450,000 pounds, reflecting farmers' hope for better market conditions in the future [3] - There is a call for improving planting quality and industry environment to enhance market competitiveness and prevent loss of buyers [3]