SA could benefit from impact of Aussie drought

RECENT HAIL storms in Grabouw, Picketburg and Stellenbosch sent a nervous shiver through the stone fruit industry, but according to Capespan technical adviser Michiel Bester, early indications are that mostly early cultivar plums were affected. “The nectarines and apricots are all fine and we are expecting a good crop of both this season, with an increase over last year,” said Bester. The plum crop is however not looking as positive. The expectation is of a medium sized harvest, but extreme weather between now and harvesting in December and January could still affect size and quality, she added. Rains or a heat wave at harvesting time would be the biggest factor to adversely affect quality, an important issue for the export market, but with reports that Australian exports of stone fruit this year will be affected by a lack of water for irrigation and continuing extreme drought, overseas market prices should at least be firm.