The cherry season in Victoria is running behind schedule, thanks to some unusually cold weather. As temperatures dropped in central Victoria, many cherry farmers are seeing their crops ripen later than expected, right before the crucial Christmas period. While the weather has caused delays, farmers are optimistic about the harvest, though there may be fewer cherries available just when they’re needed most.
Cold Weather Delays Cherry Ripening
Victoria is known for its cherry production, with the state contributing about 4,500 tonnes to Australia’s annual cherry supply. However, this year’s crop has been affected by a string of cold, polar blasts. Colin Pickering, who owns Blackwood Orchard near Harcourt North, explained that his cherries were two weeks behind schedule due to these Antarctic-like conditions. “We’ve been getting these cold blasts, and that’s really slowed everything down,” he said to ABC.
Normally, by this time of year, Pickering’s early varieties, such as his “merchants,” would be fully ripe. But this year, they’re only just beginning to come on. The issue? Cherries are very temperature-sensitive. When the nights drop to 5°C, the trees essentially stop producing, waiting for warmer weather to kickstart growth again. Unfortunately, those pauses in growth cause other complications, like the cherries ripening in bunches rather than over a more gradual period. This means farmers are now facing a rush to harvest several varieties at once.
Wasted Cherries: A Tragic Reality
Each year, large quantities of cherries are rejected by supermarkets because they don’t meet strict visual standards. The shape, size, or even the shade of red can be enough for these cherries to be discarded, despite still being perfectly good to eat. Josh Ball, director of Farmers Pick, shared that his team was on track to save around 140,000 kilos of these “imperfect” cherries, which would otherwise go to waste.
“Minor imperfections like being too small or not perfectly red are enough to get them rejected,” he explained. It’s a stark contrast to the growing demand for cherries, especially as Australians prepare for the holidays.
A Good Harvest Despite the Delay
Despite the delays and challenges, Cherry Growers Australia remains positive about the national outlook. Penny Measham, the CEO, assured the public that while the harvest may be slightly delayed in some regions, the growing conditions have been overall favorable. She anticipates that the crop will still be of high quality and expects a steady supply throughout the season. “We’re seeing a strong crop maturing on the trees,” she said.
So while the Christmas cherry rush may be a little later than expected, it looks like the season will end on a positive note.
