Cherry growers near Adelaide Hills have seen their crops wiped out during peak harvest season, with prices surging because of supply shortages. Recent storms wreaked havoc on crops in NSW and SA, slashing some growers’ outputs by up to 80 per cent. South Australia has seen its heaviest December rain in 75 years this month, with 130.8 mm delivered to Adelaide from November 24 to December 12. The rain has significantly damaged ripe cherries, splitting the skin and creating mould.
One grower, Tom Lucas of Cherries at Verdun, estimated between 50 and 60 per cent of his crop had been impacted in some way, with “hundreds” of cherries having split or rotted. “We’ve had about four inches of rain in the last three weeks,” Lucas stated.
Despite the high cost for premium cherries, demand is believed to remain strong in the lead-up to Christmas. Sources predict that prices will settle in the next week to around $30 per kilogram for premium cherries as the weather calms and picking operations increase.
Source: 9news.com.au