As the festive season approaches, many Australians are looking forward to indulging in the sweet, succulent taste of cherries, a traditional holiday treat. However, this year, the cherry on top of your Christmas celebrations might be missing. A dire warning has been issued to cherry aficionados: brace yourselves for a potential shortage of this beloved fruit.
The cause of this impending scarcity is a series of climatic hardships that have befallen Western Australia’s cherry growers. The agricultural community has been grappling with a particularly harsh harvest season. The combination of a hot, dry, and windy summer, along with an unusually warm winter, has wreaked havoc on cherry orchards, especially in regions like Manjimup, known for their bountiful cherry production.
The Southern Forests Food Council has shed light on the severity of the situation, revealing the grim reality that some orchards have lost over 90 per cent of their crops. This staggering loss not only diminishes the supply of cherries for consumers but also inflicts a severe financial blow to the farmers who nurture these delicate fruits.
Cherries, as described by Arthur Wilson, Chair of the Southern Forests Food Council, are a ‘high-risk, high-reward crop.’ Farmers are no strangers to the whims of nature and the variability it brings, but the challenges faced this season are beyond the ordinary. The extreme weather conditions have led to an unprecedented struggle to produce the quality and quantity of cherries that West Aussies are accustomed to enjoying.
Despite the bleak outlook for this year’s cherry harvest, there is a glimmer of hope. Mr. Wilson has assured the community that efforts are underway to establish new cherry plantations within Western Australia. These initiatives aim to stabilise the local supply and ensure that future seasons are not as vulnerable to the whims of the weather.
While fresh local cherries may be scarce, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival, scheduled for Saturday, December 14, promises to keep the cherry spirit alive. Although the star of the show might be in short supply, festival-goers can still revel in a variety of cherry-inspired products. From jams and chutneys to beverages and gourmet delights, the festival’s 150 stalls and events will showcase the versatility and charm of cherries in many forms. Additionally, arts and crafts will be available, ensuring that the festival remains a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich produce and culture.
How do you plan to support local farmers this festive season? Will you be seeking out alternative sources for your cherries, or perhaps trying new local products? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments below, and let’s discuss how we can all contribute to a brighter future for Western Australia’s cherry growers.
