Western Australia’s stonefruit industry looks set to recover from last season’s devastating inclement weather, with large, excellent-quality crops this season.
Temperate weather in spring has boosted yields and quality levels across the board. Nectarines, peaches, apricots and cherries are reportedly arriving into stores three weeks early, and good-quality plums are expected to be in plentiful supply over the coming months thanks to the favourable conditions.
It is a stark contrast to last year when wet weather saw production drop by 96 per cent.
A spokesman from the WA Summerfruit Council said the lack of rain and storms would mean fruit was clean-skinned and tasty and the amount of fruit available would likely see fruit on promotion in stores.
A WA Cherry Growers Association spokesman forecast production of around 200 tonnes of cherries, claiming that growing conditions this year were optimal.
