Since November last year, up to 100,000 tons of fruit was lost to hailstorms in the Goulburn Valley. A survey by Fruit Growers Victoria has estimated the total value of the loss in three hailstorms at almost $100 million. Apples and pears suffered the brunt of the damage in hailstorms.
The Goulburn Valley produces 40 to 50 per cent of Australia’s apples and 90 per cent of Australia’s pears. According to Fruit Growers Victoria chairman Mitchell McNab, the impacts of these crop losses were not only affecting the horticultural industry but other businesses that rely on the supply of the fruit.
Source: sheppnews.com.au