Australians who were hoping to have cherries on their Christmas table may need to plan for an alternative fruit after some crops were devastated by extreme weather conditions during the growing season.
Farmers in Western Australia faced a hot, dry, and windy summer after enduring an unusually warm winter with minimal frosts.
The out-of-season weather conditions led to a significant reduction in harvests, with some orchards in Manjimup, about 300 km south of Perth, suffering losses of over 90%.
The disappointing outcome means it is unlikely that Western Australians will find locally sourced cherries available.
The president of the Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC), Arthur Wilson, stated that cherries are often a high-risk, high-reward crop.
Image 1.
Summer rains could cause fruit splitting, hailstorms could damage flowers, and warm winters could prevent adequate fruit development.
“Farmers are resilient and innovative,” said Wilson.
Farmers are expected to suffer significant losses and a reduction in seasonal jobs in the region due to the challenging weather conditions.
With many farmers financially impacted by this year’s poor harvest, Wilson encouraged those planning their Christmas food shopping list to continue supporting local products.
“It’s an incredibly challenging time for our producers, but we are committed to standing by their side, promoting sustainability, and supporting their efforts in the face of adversity,” he said.
“We encourage shoppers to support local farmers, wherever possible, in their food choices.”
Read the full article: news.com.au
Image: news.com.au
12 May 2023
Experiences with the application of multifunctional insect nets, territorial biological control and the attract & kill technique in Vignola. The study project on integrated cherry tree management is entering the third year of the work programme.
04 Apr 2025
The Chilean cherry boom in China shows early signs of saturation: rising supply, slower demand and geopolitical risks. Market analysis, future strategies and the importance of differentiation to create value and mitigate long-term exposure.
11 Dec 2025
Aragonese cherries are set to enter the Chinese market thanks to Orchard Fruit, a family business led by Menchu Guerrero. Since 2017, the company has followed a scientific and export-driven strategy, inspired by Chile’s model, to bring premium fruit to global markets.
11 Dec 2025
An innovative study compares qPCR and dPCR to analyze genes linked to fruit cracking in cherries. Eight molecular markers were identified to support genetic improvement, early diagnosis and field strategies against cracking, a key challenge in cherry farming.
