Shane Morse from Harry Morse Farm in Somerset, north of Berwick, is currently faced with sodden strawberry fields. Yesterday, he’d hoped to have pickers out in the fields because the forecast suggested favorable weather. Instead, another 15 or 20 mm of rain fell, and kept falling. Morse had been out to one six-acre field earlier in the morning and found 60 per cent of the crop had rotted on the plants. That field accounts for about half the berry crop.
The extra water can leave bruises on the fruit when picked. Too much water can affect their firmness and shelf life. Most of the berries from the farm are meant for the commercial market, and many retailers, or consumers, will reject berries if they don’t look perfect.
Morse says he has enough pickers, but he can’t get them in the fields. Also, he can’t spray for mould or mildew, because the rain washes it right off.
Source: saltwire.com
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
