Cherry growers in British Columbia have had to deal with showers that have delayed harvesting and caused fruit cracking. But sorting technology has made it so that quality defects due to the rain are dealt with quickly and easily.
“We have experienced cracking losses averaging 12 to 17 percent,” said Julie McLachlan with Jealous Fruits. “Luckily, between our upgraded defect sorter and more staff on the lines, we have been able to produce a very clean pack.”
While rain has delayed harvest a few days this year, the cooler weather has resulted in larger fruit size and very firm fruit. Growers have aggressively used helicopters and ground blowers to deal with the rain, and the extra water has contributed to large cherries.
“The quality of the cherries is vintage,” said McLachlan, “with Sweethearts reading more than 500 on the firmtech.”
The season is expected to go through the middle of August. Though production in British Columbia is only a fraction of that in Washington and Oregon, acreage is growing to meet rising demand for cherries around the world – though expansion is still limited by land use from other crops and industries.
“We are adding acreage to meet burgeoning demand in both Asia and North America,” said McLachlan. “Presently, 4,500 are planted, and this may slowly grow to 6,000 acres over the next several years.”
For more information:
Julie McLachlan
Jealous Fruits
+1 250 766 0738