CHERRY growers are on-track for a good growing year after missing large rain storms that hit the eastern states.
Cherry Growers SA executive officer Susie Green said the quality of this season’s cherries was progressing well, and some growers had commenced their export programs.
“Most trees are carrying a fairly balanced crop load, which means fruit size is generally good,” she said.
Ms Green said the summer weather would help bring along good quality cherries for the Christmas and New Year market.
“Prices always vary throughout the season with supply and demand,” she said.
“There is more fruit available for consumers this year and we would expect to see volumes increase in the lead-up to Christmas to meet the demand.”
This year cherry growers will have the extra benefit of moving produce to China, following the Chinese government’s agreement to an airfreight protocol for Australian produce under fumigation.
The announcement was welcomed by Torrens Valley Orchards managing director Tony Hannaford, who is expecting to export up to 50 per cent of his cherries this season.
“Airfreight protocol has given us direct access into Chinese cities rather than going through Hong Kong,” he said.
“Now that China has approved an airfreight protocol, which we have been chasing for years, we can get produce there quicker and fresher, and deal direct with supermarkets.”
Mr Hannaford is a sixth generation cherry farmer and grows about 220 hectares annually across six orchards in the Adelaide Hills.
Most trees are carrying a fairly balanced crop load, which means fruit size is generally good.
- SUSIE GREEN
In 2015, Torrens Valley Orchards exported 100 tonnes of cherries to Welcome supermarkets in Hong Kong. The cherries were smaller in size but landed $36 for five kilograms.
He said direct exports into China would be a “game-changer” for growers, and would underpin the price in Australia.
“This year is looking to be a big crop in Australia (and) instead of being beaten down to next to nothing, the price to the grower will be quite a bit better,” he said.
The only element presently holding growers back is that China is yet to gazette the agreement.
“The demand in China is phenomenal,” he said.
“In Australia, it doesn’t matter what (commodity) it is, you keep getting hit down on price because we are competing against each other.
“If you can get direct export into Singapore or Hong Kong, some of these markets are far more lucrative (and) almost double the price.”
Each year, Mr Hannaford visits Thailand for trade missions and he said it was embarrassing having to turn down demands from supermarkets wanting large quantities of cherries.
“They want to bring it in under cold treatment with a minimum order of 1000 tonnes – that’s the best part of a $20 million order,” he said.
“But we couldn’t risk doing it.”
He said the next step would be the Adelaide Hills being recognised as a pest-free area internationally.
“Tas is recognised internationally and SA is the only fruit fly-free state in mainland Australia, but that’s only recognised domestically,” he said.
Ali Kuchel
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
