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LOW WA CHERRY HARVEST THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Wednesday 20 November 2024

Tough seasonal conditions have impacted on cherry crops in the Southern Forests region of Western Australia.


Growers are facing a devastating blow to their cherry season, with hot, dry, and windy weather during summer, compounded by an unusually warm winter with minimal frosts, leading to significantly reduced yields.   


This year, local cherries—a cherished Christmas staple—are unlikely to be widely available, with some orchards in Manjimup experiencing crop losses exceeding 90%. The financial toll has been severe, with significant losses and a reduction in seasonal jobs for the region’s cherry farmers. 


The journey from bud to juicy cherry begins as early as January of the previous season when buds are initiated. However, this year’s weather conditions have disrupted the delicate process, with unseasonably warm and dry summer temperatures and a lack of the required winter chill during flowering severely impacting fruit set.   


“Cherries are a high-risk, high-reward crop,” explains Arthur Wilson, Chair of the Southern Forests Food Council. “While farmers are accustomed to some variability, this season’s challenges have been unprecedented.”   


Environmental conditions can significantly impact sensitive cherry crops. Summer rains can cause fruit splitting, hailstorms can damage blossoms, and warm winters, like this year’s, can prevent adequate fruit development.   


The effects of the unprecedentedly warm seasons are being felt across the Southern Forests’ diverse agricultural landscape: 

  • Truffle yields were lower, with quality concerns also emerging.  

  • Avocados are ripening earlier than usual, with colouring seen months ahead of the typical March/April timeline.  

  • Apple and pear yields are anticipated to be below average, though the full extent of the impact is still unfolding.   


Despite these challenges, cherry growers are continuing to invest in the future. New cherry plantations are being established in Manjimup and other regions, aiming to stabilise local supply and reduce reliance on cherries imported from interstate.   


“Farmers are resilient and innovative,” says Wilson. “They’re constantly adapting and investing in innovative solutions to better prepare for a changing climate.”   


The Southern Forests Food Council (SFFC) is taking proactive measures to support growers as they navigate these challenges and remains committed to helping its members build resilience and adopt sustainable practices. Key initiatives include:  

  • Representing producers through the South West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. 

  • Assisting farmers in securing grants to improve water management and climate resilience. 

  • Planning a TV production to showcase the resilience and innovation of the region’s producers.  

  • Developing the region’s inaugural carbon strategy to ensure sustainable farming into the future.  


“It’s an incredibly challenging time for our producers, but we are committed to working alongside them, promoting sustainability and championing their efforts in the face of adversity,” Wilson adds.  “We encourage shoppers to help support local farmers wherever possible when making food choices too.”


Despite the tough season, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival will go ahead on Saturday 14 December. Whilst fresh local cherries are unlikely to be the star of the show, plenty of cherry-inspired offerings will be available from the 150 stalls and events. These include cherry jams, chutneys, beverages, and other gourmet products, plus arts and crafts. Other fresh seasonal produce will also be on offer, such as avocados, berries and apples. Be sure to support this farming community and come along to enjoy a fun-filled free family day out. Find more information: www.cherryfestival.com.au


Contact:

Please contact Laura Bolitho on 08 9772 4180 or info@southernforestsfood.com


Southern Forests Food Council:  

The Southern Forests Food Council was founded in 2010 by a group of passionate local producers who recognised that the wealth and abundance of produce grown in the region made it perfect for major food production and agri-tourism. Its role was formalised in 2012 after receiving a $5 million investment from the State Government. The investment is part of a $7 million allocation to the Shire of Manjimup for its Agricultural Expansion Project. The SFFC has received a further $725,000 over two and a half years through the State Government to focus on activities and implement strategies that secure its long-term sustainability and enhance the Genuinely Southern Forests brand.


The Food Council is committed to unifying the area’s world-class and diverse producers to strengthen the region’s economy, build resilience, attract investment and export opportunities, promote regional pride, and create sustainable jobs. It represents local producers, culinary and agri-tourism operators who live and work in what is WA’s premier food bowl, aiming to ultimately establish the Southern Forests as an internationally recognised sustainable agricultural region and culinary tourism destination.


The Southern Forests produces over 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, truffles and boutique produce, dairy, sheep, pork and cattle farms, as well as award-winning wineries and exceptional culinary experiences.  The Southern Forests region is heavily invested in agriculture, with $230 million of agricultural production coming from the region


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