While the impacts of Coronavirus have been widespread across the nation’s economy, the outlook for Goulburn Valley fruit growers remains positive.
A recent report from the Commonwealth Bank’s Regional and Agribusiness division shows that in many parts of the country, the agribusiness sector is strong and growing, and our region’s producers are no exception.
Michael Crisera, grower services manager at Fruit Growers Victoria, which represents apple, pear, stone fruit and cherry farmers in the region, said the outlook for this year’s harvest remained positive after coming off a wet end to summer and autumn.
“Apples are going quite well, prices are good, and stone fruits have seen an increased supply to China with a much-improved domestic price as well,” he said.
“Compared to this time last year, the water allocation is a lot more positive. Goulburn irrigators already have 30 percent allocation and are fairly confident we’ll end up with 100 percent, which is fantastic.”
Mr Crisera said the impact of the pandemic is expected to hit when fruit growers look to secure harvest labour come November, with many producers relying on workers from overseas to get their fruit off trees.
“Otherwise, if you look around the Goulburn Valley, everything looks nice, green and lush, and dairy producers would definitely be looking optimistically for the year ahead, too,” Mr Crisera said.
