Berries enter peak season for 2019
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Tuesday, 8 January 2019, 4.00pm
Local demand for Tasmanian berries continues to grow, as the industry enters it's peak production period. Favorable seasonal conditions in northern Tasmania have expressed have helped growers set up bumper crops harvest in Tasmania's north. Blueberry growers across the state are preparing for a large harvest of high-quality fruit. Strawberry growers using growing tunnels in the state's north have almost finished harvesting the large king-fruit pressure for 2019, marking the half-way point for the season. Commercial raspberry have had a good season so far, and report strong crop loads already developing for the next wave of fruit in late January. Early blackberry varieties are giving way to later varieties, which are expected to be provide fruit until May.
Growers in southern Tasmania have experienced a more challenging season, including cold, wet conditions between October and December, and hot, dry conditions since late December. Despite these challenges, farm gate sales continue to be grow to support the industry.