Netherlands: Cherries a week later this year

The cherry season began later than usual this year. Theo Vernooij, cherry grower from Cothen, the Netherlands, will start harvesting at the end of this week. "Last year it began extremely early, in the beginning of June already, this year we are a week behind. This mostly has to do with the cooler weather we have been having recently. As a result, the cherries ripen very slowly. They still need their time."

Fruitteeltbedrijf (orchard business) Vernooij is currently busy with preparations, "You notice that people are waiting for it. We are getting a lot of calls. Of course it is a pity to say 'no', but the season will explode next week. We don't know exactly what the weather will be like, but hopefully it will be better than now. The cherries are hanging well right now. At first I thought they would not fill out, but I am noticing that they are getting fuller. They are not too thick, not to thin, just right; that's when you get a nice size cherry. Hanging too full is also not good." During the growing period it was not always going well. "It was not always the best weather and we also suffered from frost, which means we lost some of the cherries."

He expects lower volumes this season, "I think that this is true for all of the Netherlands. Let's hope that the price will be good. In any case, we are positive about the season." The first basket of cherries will be handed out tomorrow and will be seen at the 15th annual Kersenfestival (Cherry festival). This year the event will take place on the 27th and 28th of June. 



For more information:
Theo en Martine Vernooij
Fruitteeltbedrijf Vernooij
Groenewoudseweg 18
3945 BC COTHEN
Tel: 03 43 - 56 13 16
Fax: 03 43 - 56 27 50