The December rain that created havoc for cherry growers has been a blessing for the apple harvest, paying off now with good yields and fruit quality.
As the South Australian apple and pear season was officially launched at Foodland Henley Beach on Friday, Fruit Producers SA chief executive officer Grant Piggott said the season had largely been a good one for growers.
He said the recent heatwave had caused come concerns but did not appear to have had much of an impact.
"It's been a pretty good year for apples," he said.
He said harvest for the Gala apples was largely finished, with the focus now moving to the largest variety in the Adelaide Hills, the Pink Lady, as well as Bravo and others.
"The selection of variety of apples in shops straight off the trees is as good as it gets," Mr Piggott said.
He said most of the apple crop would be staying within South Australian shops, with some heading interstate, and a very limited number potentially heading internationally.
Mr Piggott said while yields were looking good, apple farmers would "always like a little more for their fruit" in prices.
He said the industry had put its submission in to the federal government's grocery code inquiry.
He said pears were also looking good, with picking almost done.
Mr Piggott said one issue causing some concern was the recent fruit fly outbreak declaration at Salisbury North.
While Adelaide Hills growers were in the green zone, he said there was still some caution.
"We're pretty happy the government is throwing the kitchen sink at the problem," he said.
"It is quite the market advantage if we can hold it."
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
