Apple and Pear quality up in South Australia despite bushfires

The apple and pear harvest is currently underway in South Australia, with growers reporting some of the highest quality crops in at least three years. The pear harvest began in early February, followed by apple picking around February 20. The Adelaide Hills region, responsible for about 80% of the state's annual 30,000-ton apple crop and 93% of its 5,000-ton pear crop, is at the forefront of these harvests.

While apple volumes are anticipated to be down by approximately 10% this year, growers note that the absence of widespread hailstorms, which significantly damaged crops in 2018 and 2019, has contributed to a high-quality harvest. The size of the pear crop is reported to be around average.

The December 20 Cudlee Creek fire burned through 25,000 hectares of Adelaide Hills land, affecting five apple orchards totaling 25 hectares in areas like Lenswood, Woodside, Cudlee Creek, and Lobethal. With nearly 1,000 hectares of apple and pear plantings in the Adelaide Hills, the fires, along with other factors, have led to a reduced crop this season. Apple & Pear Growers Association of SA CEO Susie Green mentioned that the fires were just one of several factors influencing this season's crop.

The national apple crop is expected to decrease across Australia this year due to various factors, including drought in Queensland, hail in Victoria, and bushfires in South Australia and New South Wales. Previous hailstorms in South Australia ahead of the 2018 and 2019 harvests significantly impacted quality, reducing prices for affected growers and leading many to sell their apples for juice.

The pear harvest in South Australia is projected to conclude by mid-March, while apple picking will continue through April and into May, supported by late-maturing varieties such as Pink Lady and Sundowner.

Source: theleadsouthaustralia.com.au