The proliferation of farmers' markets across Australia and the push by consumers to know where their food, fruit and vegetables come from, creates an opportunity for those willing to pursue that end.
The cost of mandatory compliance of labour, occupational health and safety, and food safety through quality assurance, are all substantial but necessary.
Further, the cost of packing machines that meet the demands of the changing marketplace also require considerable financial inputs, especially as these machines are only used for a few weeks each year.
Cool chain management from orchard to shed, from packing to distribution, and then on to the customer—export or domestic—is also needed to maintain top quality.
Larger growers expand
With the above in mind, it is no surprise that many of Australia’s larger growers have expanded their operations to become more cost efficient by planting more hectares to increase their production, or by growing in different regions that explore a wider production harvest timing window.
This appears to be happening world-wide, the issues are parallel, with the biggest players working both Northern and Southern hemispheres to spread a brand into extended and broader market timing.
Smaller growers become inventive
So what does this all mean for the future of the small cherry grower with just a few acres?
It means being inventive and exploring new ways to reach consumers; to then bring them back for repeat sales by offering quality cherries; and by giving the consumer an 'experience'.
You just have to find your particular market niche. Work out what that is, and go for it!
See this article in Tree Fruit May 2017
