In the South West of Western Australia, cherry growers are facing a challenging season with some orchards reporting crop losses exceeding 90 percent. The Southern Forest Food Council, representing the Manjimup region's growers, highlights the significant impact of tough seasonal conditions on local cherry production. Josh Cusato, a cherry grower near Donnybrook, has experienced a delayed harvest on his 20-hectare farm due to insufficient chill hours, essential for cherry production. This issue is not isolated to Cusato's farm, as the change in weather patterns over recent years has broadly affected production in the area.
Linda Moore, from a family-run orchard in the Perth Hills, shares similar concerns. The Araluen Valley's unique microclimate, typically ideal for cherry cultivation, has failed to provide the necessary cool temperatures this season. Factors such as water extraction by Coca-Cola and a tornado damaging infrastructure have compounded the problem, leaving Moore's orchard without any fruit to sell. This shortfall in local cherry production is expected to drive up prices due to high demand and limited supply.
Despite these challenges, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival will proceed on December 14, focusing on a variety of local produce beyond cherries. Pam Bodsworth, the festival's chair, emphasizes the resilience of the farming community and the broader appeal of the festival, which has historically overcome low cherry yields. The event remains a testament to the region's agricultural diversity and the spirit of its producers.
Source: ABC News