With the cherry harvest season in Tasmania just around the corner, the Somercotes team is highly enthusiastic about the prospects for this year.
David Allanson, a long-time cherry grower in Tasmania, has taken on the role of Farm Director at Somercotes Cherries in Ross, Tasmania. He reports that Somercotes will start harvesting in December and that early signs of fruit formation look promising, thanks to favorable weather during spring and winter.
Somercotes now cultivates around 20 varieties across 50 hectares, and recent infrastructure improvements, including bird nets and frost fans, have positively impacted production by protecting the crops. The farm, founded in 1823 and still owned by the Riggall family, benefits from ideal conditions in central Tasmania, with cool winters and mild summers that allow cherries to develop natural sweetness.
Allanson notes that the cherries are harvested by hand to meet demand locally, interstate, and internationally, and he eagerly anticipates sharing their premium product with cherry lovers worldwide.
Read the full article: Freshplaza
19 Dec 2024
This shows the great enthusiasm for buying this fruit, however, as producers, exporters and technical advisors pointed out, it is necessary to maintain and work for quality through harvesting strategies, training and process optimisation.
26 Sep 2024
Michigan is one of the world's leading producers. Almost 70% of all cherries grown in the United States come from Michigan. If the new Senate Bill 1003 is passed, cherries will be formally named the official fruit of the State of Michigan.
18 Apr 2025
A Romanian study explores the link between sweet cherry cracking and fruit quality factors such as weight, firmness, and pH. Findings provide actionable insights for enhancing cultivar resistance and supporting cherry growers in challenging climates.
18 Apr 2025
A groundbreaking agrivoltaic pilot project in Germany installs lightweight solar panels over cherry orchards using existing weather protection systems—maximizing land use, preserving fruit yields and offering a replicable, sustainable model for smart farming across Europe.
