Huon valley growers rally together following storm

Fruit Growers Tasmania | Wednesday, 8 December 2021, 9.00am

Fruit growers are coming together to support each other following a once in a lifetime hail event impacting orchards South of Grove to just north of Huonville on Thursday 2 December.

Several vineyards in the Huon were also badly damaged.

Proactive conversations are being had regarding crop management decisions, investigating secondary market options for damaged fruit, and not the least looking out for each other’s welfare.

Crop losses for affected growers are projected at over $3 million at the farm-gate, predominantly in apples. Some estimates put the wider impact to the Tasmanian economy at over $10 million factoring in lost wages for pickers and packers, freight, packaging and returns to wholesale and retail outlets.

Cherry crops in the area were mainly protected by nets and covers and good fruit set this season means the overall cherry crop impact is negligible.

The renowned quality of Tasmanian cherries is anticipated to remain high with many growers continuing to invest in the latest optical grading and cold chain technologies.

Repair and replacement costs to crop protection infrastructure however is estimated to be close to $900,000.

Our Industry Development Officer Lawrence Cowley, visited many of the affected growers on Friday, the day after the storm.

Fruit Growers Tasmania is now preparing submissions to Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment and federally to The National Recovery and Resilience Agency of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet quantifying the impact.

We are also actively investigating any potential options for immediate support to impacted growers and will continue to lobby State and Federal government for the support of initiatives to mitigate major weather events.

If you would like to report crop or infrastructure damage please contact Lawrence Cowley on 0437 628648 or email ido@fruitgrowerstas.org.au

If you are worried about someone or want to talk to someone please reach out to RAW Tasmania on 1300 4357 6283 or visit the RAW website for further information.