November 25th 2024.
As Christmas approaches, many families may notice a missing tradition on their dinner tables - cherries. This year, Western Australian cherry growers have been dealt a devastating blow, leaving them with little to no crop to offer. The Southern Forest Food Council, which represents growers in the Manjimup region, has reported that losses could exceed 90%, all due to the harsh seasonal conditions.
According to the SFFC, the summer weather has been hot, dry, and windy, with an unusually warm winter and minimal frosts. These factors have all contributed to a significant decrease in yields across the state. The council's chairman, Arthur Wilson, has warned that the financial impact on cherry farmers will be severe, with major losses and a decrease in seasonal jobs for the region.
Wilson explains that cherries are a high-risk, high-reward crop, and while farmers are used to some variability, this season's challenges have been unprecedented. The sensitive cherry crops can be greatly affected by environmental conditions, such as rain over summer causing the fruit to split and warm winters hindering proper fruit development. It's not just cherries feeling the effects, as truffle yields and avocados have also been a cause for concern.
To combat this issue, cherry plantations have been established in Manjimup and other regions, with the goal of stabilizing local supply and reducing the need for imported cherries from other states. Wilson acknowledges the resiliency and innovation of farmers, who are constantly adapting and investing in solutions to prepare for a changing climate. He adds that it's a challenging time for producers, but the council is committed to working alongside them, promoting sustainability and championing their efforts in the face of adversity.
In other news, a man has been arrested after an alleged stabbing and attempted carjacking during a Facebook Marketplace meetup. And it seems the heatwave sweeping the country is not only affecting the cherry crops, but also causing concern for millions of people. However, amidst all this chaos, there is a glimmer of hope with the 9News app, keeping people informed with the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather. With notifications sent straight to smartphones, it's a convenient and efficient way to stay updated. The app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
