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.
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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
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