The Tasmanian cherry industry has enjoyed a fruitful few years with production levels soaring and exports increasing as new markets open up to the stonefruit.
Lucy Gregg, business development manager at Fruit Growers Tasmania, told the Weekly Times Now this week that the state's cherry harvest now stood at around 3,000 tonnes, double the volume seen two years ago, with the growth showing no sign of letting up.
Cherry exports from Tasmania hold a distinct advantage over fruit from mainland Australia as it is free of Queensland fruit fly, giving it greater access to overseas markets, while it also holds a seasonal advantage.
'We have market access to countries like Taiwan, the US and Japan, and we're negotiating for access to South Korea,' Ms Gregg told the publication. 'Exports were up 30 per cent last season as a result of export initiatives.'
Some Australian growers are looking on in envy at Tasmania's set-up, with Yarra Valley cherry grower Stephen Chapman explaining that he would have considered relocating to the state if he were younger.
'Market access is a big thing. They've got cheaper land and water and the government is right behind them – they recognise the value of horticulture,' he said. 'We don't seem to have that same level of government support.'
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