Torrential rain on Friday (4 February) in southern parts of the Australian state of Victoria has lead to widespread flooding.
Despite floodwaters inundating vineyards in some of Australia’s key grape producing areas, reports are that damage to crops will not be significant.
Australian Table Grape Growers Association CEO Jeff Scott told Fruitnet.com the rain had swamped some vineyards, with floodwaters reaching the level of the grapes.
He did not predict significant damage to grape crops, however, thanks largely to cool and dry weather following the rains.
Merbein-based grower John Argiro told Fruitnet.com that while the area, which received 135mm of rain, looked like a ‘war zone’, he did not believe there would be any notable damage to his crop.
He added that the neighbouring township of Red Cliffs received 250mm of rain during the downpour.
When contacted by Fruitnet.com Mr Argiro was busy pumping excess water out of his vineyard, which he said would probably take another 24 hours.
“The biggest problems are going to be for those growers who can’t pump out the water because they have nowhere to pump it to,” he said.
“Things are starting to dry out now. We’ve been very fortunate with the weather, it’s been dry and the temperature has really cooled off. It’s been fantastic.”
The ABC reported, however, that the Chairman of Murray Valley Winegrowers Dennis Mills feared some growers could lose their crops.
“We’ve had reports of people’s vines being totally underwater, and how they’re going to pump that out I have just no idea,” he said.
The ABC also reported the same weather system caused extensive flooding in Koo Wee Rup, Australia’s main asparagus growing region.
Fortunately the asparagus crop had already been picked, but one grower in the area told the news source floodwaters had submerged 80ha of his broccoli and broccolini crop.
He anticipates the entire crop will be lost.
