Cherry season is in full swing at Kersenbedrijf Jo & Monica Schaepkens in Klimmen, southern Limburg. "The crop is hanging on well. Although yields aren't exceptionally high, we prefer it that way, as high yields can compromise fruit size," says Jo Schaepkens. "The quality is outstanding this year. April, May, and June gave us many hours of sunshine, and you can really taste that! Shelf life is much better than last year, which makes it easier for the trade to handle."
Last year, the farm ended its membership with FruitMasters to focus entirely on direct sales. "That has worked out well for us. We aim to reduce our dependence on market fluctuations. Sales are now evenly split between farm gate sales and trade, and they're progressing nicely this year. Prices are also good, smaller cherries are going for around 8 euros per kilo, while the larger, premium ones fetch 11 euros."
Jo & Monica Schaepkens
Jo & Monica Schaepkens grow just under 20 varieties, spanning from early to late season. Expansion of the acreage isn't currently on the table. "We'd like to maintain what we have. Sometimes we trial new varieties, but we've become a bit more cautious. Promises of golden mountains are often made, but in the end, new varieties usually don't outperform the ones we already grow."
The grower is optimistic about the demand for cherries. "The Limburg cherry is really appreciated for its flavour. We hear from several of our buyers that they prefer cherries from loess soils because of their taste." According to Jo, the biggest challenge remains the resource policy. "That's still a hot topic, if we're no longer allowed to control the spotted wing drosophila, cherry cultivation will be over," he says.
"That's outrageous, especially for a problem that came from Asia and isn't of our making," Jo adds, referring to a recent Humberto broadcast he called "a bunch of nonsense." "Some people do ask questions about it, but fortunately, many still use common sense."
On 13 July, the farm will host its annual cherry-picking day under an all-you-can-eat concept, with various activities including a ride on the cherry-picking train, cherry pit spitting, a local produce market, and entertainment for children.
For more information:
Jo Schaepkens
Kersenbedrijf Jo & Monica Schaepkens
Klimmenderstraat 106 (pop-up store)
6343 AE Klimmen
+31 (0)45-4051359
[email protected]
www.kersenbedrijfschaepkens.nl
