Cherry Growers Australia (CGA) has announced that it is to set up a company with the intention of gatherinh information on the cherry industry and setting up a strategy to increase exports.

The Weekly Times reported that the new marketing company will be owned by CGA, exporter and market shareholders, and will provide varietal information on cherry plantings, age and harvest dates.

'It will allow the industry to predict supply volumes, quality and timing, so the marketers can put together a line of supply,' said Ian Hay, president of CGA. 'Instead of the ad hoc, haphazard way we've been exporting, we'll be focusing on exports first.'

A report issued in 2006 estimated that there were 701 cherry growers across five Australian states, producing more than 6,000 tonnes of cherries annually, the Weekly Times revealed.

'The whole idea is to be prepared for when we do have big crops across the country,' Mr Hay added. 'When we don't have some areas wiped out we're going to be in real trouble when we don't have markets - and responsive markets - that will respond to a supply spike.'

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