Adelaide Hills topfruit growers will meet this Friday, November 10, to review their options for managing crops impacted by the devastating hail event last Monday.
Hail affected 85pc of crops across the Adelaide Hills. Photo supplied: Susie Green, APGASA
Apple and Pears Growers’ Association SA CEO Susie Green said with the assessment process now nearly finalised it was clear the impact of the storm was widespread with 95pc of growers and 85pc of crops affected to some degree.
“Some blocks fared worse than others,” she said. “Some are complete write-offs and other blocks will be significantly downgraded. There is also some reported damage in the South East – assessments are being carried out there today.”
Susie said APGASA was working with industry and the SA State Government on short, medium and long-term recovery strategies and assistance.
Approximately 13 per cent of the crop was netted and she said nets had certainly helped.
“Damage under net varied from almost none to quite significant depending on type, variety, location,” Susie said. “On average the impact on crops under net was around 10pc. Outside of nets, 80pc of the area assessed had more than 40pc damage, and more than half had more than 60pc damage. About a quarter had more than 80pc damage.”
A growers’ meeting will be held at the Adelaide Hills Council meeting room, 36 Nairne Road, Woodside, SA, 5244, this Friday, November 10, from 8.30am (breakfast from 7.30m) to outline management strategies for affected crops.
Source: apal.org.au