In Washington, a cherry grower emphasises the importance of crop insurance for his company and for the entire cherry industry. He defines the life of a grower as betting your entire investment on production, comparing the process to gambling in Las Vegas. The main challenge is the uncertainty of success or failure until the closing payments from the pool, which can take almost a year from the start of the cherry investment.
Jennifer Wiggs, the grower, points out that, although most years bring at least a break-even, there are occasionally exceptional years that make it possible to finance the following year or invest in improvements. However, there is also the risk of losing everything due to adverse weather events. Cherries, in particular, are sensitive to weather conditions before harvest, requiring constant monitoring of weather forecasts.
She advises his colleagues to consider crop insurance as a lifesaver. Shee recounts his own initial experience of scepticism towards insurance, but reveals that it became compulsory when they acquired a larger orchard with an agricultural loan. The turning point came when, hit by rainstorms, they suffered significant losses. The agent explained the value of insurance, allowing the farmer to face the challenges with peace of mind.
The earnings guarantee system is based on the actual earnings history of the cultivated blocks. The grower emphasises the adaptability of the policies, which are self-adjusting considering ups and downs. The coverage percentage chosen affects premiums, but offers financial security. The insurance also facilitates access to US Department of Agriculture disaster relief programmes by simplifying the application process.
In conclusion, Jennifer Wiggs encourages his colleagues to explore options with specialised cherry agents, to review coverage choices annually and to consider insurance as a way to sleep soundly.
Read the full article: Good Fruit Grower
Images: Jennifer Wiggs/Good Fruit Grower
22 Nov 2024
With regard to varieties, CAPCI Director Aníbal Caminiti indicated that so far there have been no environmental problems affecting the fruit, ‘so, in general, all the fruit that has gone out for export and for the domestic market has been of very good quality’.
12 Nov 2024
It is often the result of mechanical or physiological damage that occurs during harvest, handling, storage, or transportation of the fruit. These marks usually do not penetrate the pulp but impair its presentation, and in severe cases, can lead to premature fruit deterioration.
22 Nov 2024
The president of Cherry Growers Australia, Alison Jones, shared with ABC Rural that this season's conditions have been much more favorable, with a warm climate and excellent production resulting in high-quality fruit.
22 Nov 2024
Complementary to the application of cytokinin to enhance stage I of fruit growth and improve caliber, the other important stage when defining fruit caliber corresponds to stage III of fruit growth and development where the hormone responsible for this process is Gibberellic acid.
