Although it’s early in the season—perhaps a little too early for an accurate forecast—indications are that we can expect a cherry crop of high quality.
I’m prepared to say that, even with the mixed weather conditions experienced in most of our growing regions during cherry blossom.
We had good chill hours in the early part of dormancy which then eased off as winter morphed into spring-type weather that seemed to be a month later than usual. We also had a lack of sunlight hours in many areas in the lead up to and during blossom; many rainy days that increased soil moisture to the point close to saturation; and we had strong winds that would have restricted the distances that bees could fly.
Only time will tell how these conditions will affect the fertilization of various varieties and the setting of the cherry crop.
Backpacker tax a pain for growers
The ongoing uncertainty of the backpacker tax issue remains a problem that has been forced on the horticultural industry without much consultation.
Submissions that have been made requesting a rate of 19 cents in the dollar may not come in time to either attract overseas workers to enter Australia in order to work, or to allow employers enough time to plan and find a source that might supply sufficient employees within the country that are willing to harvest fruit or work in the packing sheds.
It seems our politicians forget that backpackers that earn money in Australia spend most of it here, paying millions of dollars in the form of 10% GST into the government coffers.
If backpackers go to New Zealand and other countries because of all the publicity over the tax, it could be some time before we can coax them back again.
There is enough uncertainty growing fruit for a living without having grower organizations focus their energy and time on the backpacker tax issue. And for growers and their families it is just another level of stress that they have to endure.
So if you are not satisfied with the latest outcome (which is still unclear—even as I write this in late October) then support your grower organization and let your federal member of parliament know how you feel.
Act to gain a positive result for your business.
See this article in Tree Fruit Oct 2016
