The hail storm that hit the Goulburn Valley Sunday evening has affected many fruit tree growers, including apples, pear, stone fruit as well as cherry producers. It appears the bulk of the hail damage was concentrated in a strip north of the Midland Highway in Ardmona stretching across the northern edge of Shepparton towards Lemnos and parts of Shepparton East. A small number of growers are reporting major damage up to 100% of fruit crops. Of the pome fruit crops, pears have been most affected.
Although the full extent of the damage is not yet understood, Fruit Growers Victoria has already started to work with other key industry stakeholders in order to produce an assessment as rapidly as possible prior to developing an action plan. To gather this information, we ask that all growers affected by this hail event complete the form (download from at the end of this article) and forward it to FGVL email:
Fruit Growers Victoria recognises the impact this hail storm will have on all growers and the industry and invites even those growers not affected by hail, to attend an Industry Meeting at the Horticulture Centre of Excellence in Tatura, this Thursday evening at 7pm. During this meeting, an evaluation of the situation will be presented. FGVL’s new IDO, Petar Bursac will be in attendance and with his experience in IPM and chemical use, will be available to answer all questions.
