Just a few days ago we told you about the good projections for different sectors of Australia. In Tasmania for example, as reported at a conference held by Fruit Growers Tasmania and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, cherry production is expected to grow by 25% for the 2023/2024 season.

Despite these numbers, which are undoubtedly encouraging, what is happening today in other Australian areas is certainly different. According to the outlet, The Guardian, the south of the country is experiencing one of the worst harvests in years. The reason? Once again, the weather conditions.

December was one of the hardest months. Prior to the Christmas holidays, abnormal and above-average rains hit the south of the country, leading to losses of up to 70% of the harvest in some cases and an increase in prices.

Grant Piggott, chief executive of Fruit Producers SA, explained that three storms hit cherry production areas, with the most recent hitting when the cherries were ripe. “Cherries don’t like to be wet […] Adelaide Hills had twice the average December [rainfall] in those five days. People who have been in the industry for a while think it’s the worst in 50 years.”

High prices

With this scenario, a kilo of cherries reached 50 dollars, something undoubtedly high, but which seems to be regulating now. According to the producers themselves, new technologies for processes such as the selection of quality fruits, and the good times that Tasmania is experiencing, will help with balance and cheaper cherries for the future.

Read the full article of The Guardian here

Read more about Australia here