YOUR INDUSTRY
SUMMERFRUIT UPDATE
Rain damaged cherries
Seasonal Update The start of 2021 has sadly not provided the clean break from Covid-19 that the summerfruit industry was hoping for. By Richard Palmer : Chief Executive, Summerfruit NZ Despite a promising crop, a great turnout of seasonal staff for harvest, and airfreight in place for cherry exports, the devastating rain event at New Year in Central Otago has had a significant effect on this season’s cherry and apricot crops. The rain event was the worst that many in the region have ever seen, and at the peak of cherry harvest had a drastic effect on the crop, with an estimated 50% of the crop lost. Apricots have also been affected with some reports of 50% loss also. The weather improved with hot days mid-month allowing for harvest to recommence. It is unfortunate that the many New Zealanders who turned out to support the harvest have had the season cut short, although the new Central Otago seasonal labour coordinator, Tracey Mansfield, has worked quickly to shift workers to areas of shortage and into the vineyards a bit earlier. Tracey at Lakes District job fair
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The ORCHARDIST : FEBRUARY 2021
