Tasmanian cherries are approaching the end of their bloom time, and things are ‘shaping up well’ according to Hansen Orchards owner Howard Hansen. “It was a very strong bloom and the warm temperatures have allowed the bees to get out and do their work. Importantly though there have been no frost events so there is potential for a good crop.”
The cherries are still in their shuck, so it is too early to tell fruit size, according to Mr Hansen, but indications are good for a large crop. “The warm dry spring has been perfect to spur leaf development so we would expect 60% plus of the crop to be over 30mm+,” he said. “A low Australian dollar will also mean that the crop can compete better against other Southern Hemisphere growing nations.”
Exports have been a focus for Tasmanian cherry growers in recent years, and Mr Hansen does not expect the introduction of the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP, to have any impact on strategy for cherry growers. “We do not currently see any benefits from the TPP to the Tasmanian cherry industry and our market focus will not change from the last 5 years,” he said.
The 2016 season will be a dramatic improvement on 2015 for Hansen Orchards in particular, as the Huon Valley crop was completely lost to rain. “In 2016 Hansen Orchards is expecting to pack double last years volume,” Mr Hansen said. “The long term weather forecast looks very dry as a result of a strong El Nino and we have made significant investments in rain covers to insure the crop is not damaged.”
For more information
Howard Hansen
Hansen Orchards
Phone: +61 (0) 3 6264 0200
E-mail: orchard@hansenorchards.com.au
Website: www.hansenorchards.com.au