France: Cherry picking started in Roussillon

The picking of the cherry campaign of 2012 started three days ago. The first Burlat, early variety, were sold between 14 and 18 € per kg, a nominal fee. By Wednesday, hundreds of seasonal workers will take a position in the orchards to pick the fruit. The owners announced a very average crop, probably below one hundred tons. Right now the trees are loaded with very little fruit.

Scarcity
"The small amount of cherries is likely due to the absence of a cold winter. For a good cherry winter time must be at least 700 hours at a temperature below 7 degrees Celsius. This year the cold arrived late in February," explains Jacques Arnaudiès, producer of cherries, who hopes to have a good season. "The scarcity of the product can generate good market prices in Saint Charles. Last year we started at €5.50, which was a good price. But then, the market had slumped to around €3.50 to €2 which is insufficient to cover the costs of labor are important."

Although the fruit looks good, the campaign is 10 days behind schedule.

Source: www.ladepeche.fr