The late frost in September and October left its mark on the fruit’s production, as has been confirmed by the cherry harvest's forecast. According to the latest estimate by the IDR, when there are only 357 tonnes left to be harvested, the 2013 harvest will be the lowest in Mendoza for the last four years; a scenario that has already pushed prices to levels that, with no export potential, is slowing the domestic demand.
The available fruit is just over 15% of the production achieved in 2012 and nearly 5% of the record achieved in the 2010 campaign: 7,006 tonnes. According to the survey, it wasn't only the fruit's quantity but also its quality.
Technicians noted that nearly 7 out of 10 kilos of the cherries in the remaining 929 productive hectares in the province had an average size of 24 mm, i.e., they are smaller than usual.
Packing plants are closed at a time when they usually have a month of accumulated activity. "The only advantage we had in all of this is that we could let our overseas customers know that we wouldn't be able to supply them in time," said the entrepreneur.
Overall, according to the Ministry of Agro Industry, more than 70,000 hectares were affected by the frosts on September 17, 18, 22 and 29. Marcelo Barg, head of entity said that, "the surveys are underway and we will have the first data showing the percentages of loss within about twenty days."
Source: Losandes.com.ar