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
06 Sep 2024
The aim of the study conducted at Qinghai University (China) was to test whether seaweed-based biostimulants have the ability to counteract delayed fruit ripening and improve the antioxidant properties and quality of cherries treated with gibberellic acid.
19 May 2023
In this video, Prof. Lang illustrates the differences between modern 2D and 3D cherry training systems, highlighting the importance of the correct choice of variety and rootstock depending on the training form adopted.
19 Feb 2026
A 13-year study in Čačak, Serbia, on a high-density sweet cherry orchard (1,250 trees/ha) comparing Mazzard and Colt rootstocks. Growth, yield, fruit quality and profitability were assessed on heavy, acidic soils without irrigation, highlighting long-term differences.
19 Feb 2026
In Central Otago, Clyde Orchards grows, packages and exports premium cherries to China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. Over 105 hectares managed with vertical integration, a favourable climate and RSE labour support quality, freshness and positioning in Asian markets.
