‘More than just cherries’: Low cherry stock at Manjimup festival but organisers not worried

Thousands are being warned to expect a limited supply of cherries at Manjimup’s annual cherry festival in December. The Southern Forests Food Council has reported an “unprecedented” low supply of cherries this season with local farmers reporting crop losses exceeding 90 per cent. Attendees at the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival — known for its provision of fresh local produce — won’t have access to the usual abundance of cherries. However, festival organisers say there is more to the event than the decadent Christmas staple. SFFC chair Arthur Wilson said “while farmers are accustomed to some variability, this season’s challenges have been unprecedented”. “Cherries are a high-risk, high-reward crop,” he said. Newton Orchard owner Harvey Giblett said Newton’s cherry crop was half its normal crop “at best”. “Cherry crop can be biennial depending on the variety but normally the variance is not as severe,” he said. “Cherries traditionally need more chill hours than other fruit but we’ve just not had enough. We’re coming off an unusually hot summer and autumn too, that’s obviously had some impact.” Cherry Lane Fields — one of the largest cherry producers in Western Australia — also reported a low supply. Owner Kathy Grozotis said she expected less than 40 per cent of last year’s supply. “The yields are very, very low — maybe 60 per cent to 70 per cent less than a normal crop,” she said. “We’ll only be attending the cherry festival as visitors this year.” MCHF president Pam Bodsworth said the committee was aware of the low supply but was not concerned about its impact. “We’ve had this a few times and we weren’t impacted,” she said. “There is more to the cherry fest than just cherries.” Ms Bodsworth told the Times some cherries would be still available at the event as well as a variety of cherry-inspired offerings. “There will be cherries there, but there is so much more to look forward to,” she said. The iconic Neil Halden Log Chopping Competition will be going ahead, as will the parade, street entertainment and live music. A long table dinner, cooking workshops and photography exhibition will also be included.