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
08 Apr 2024
The protected designation of origin of the Jerte cherry has been certifying its origin and quality since 1996. In economic terms, the value of designations of origin was estimated at 7.3 billion in 2018, with more than 353 Spanish quality marks registered in the EU.
13 Sep 2024
According to Minister for Primary Industries Jane Howlett: “We know that gaining new markets will further grow the industry which is why our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's future commits 600,000 dollars to Fruit Growers Tasmania to expand its commercial presence”.
13 May 2025
The evolution of cherry rootstocks is reshaping global orchard practices. Gisela®, Corette®, Krymsk®, and WeiGi® offer productive, resilient options for diverse climates, enhancing yield and sustainability in Germany, the United States, and Hungary.
13 May 2025
Romania enhances sour cherry genetic resources by developing innovative, disease-resistant varieties highly suitable for fresh markets. A successful and sustainable fruit-growing model rooted in biodiversity, varietal selection, and advanced biotechnology applications.
