Recent heavy rain which caused surface flooding across Central Otago has left cherry orchards dealing with the results of a tough season. 

Before the season ever started, issues with workers, frost and COVID-19 meant it was already a challenge. 

The heavy rain has meant orchards have been flooded and fruit burst from overwatering. 

Clyde Orchards’ Kris Robb said the weather looks better and he is being optimistic. 

“Weather forecast is more favourable which helps with a more positive atmosphere. 

“Damage in our blocks range from complete write off to 30-40%. 

“Energy now is focused on harvesting and packing what fruit remains. 

“We’re lucky to be surrounded by a great team who are putting some hard yards to get us across the line.”

Lindsay Olsen posted to Facebook page Cromwell Today, and said he pulled up next to a truck full of cherries destined for cattle fodder. Image courtesy Lindsay Olsen/Facebook.

Social media commentators have pointed out piles of cherries discarded at local transfer stations, while others have seen cherries sent to farms as fodder for cattle. 

A number of people commented on the posts and asked why the fruit could not be used as juice, wine, ice cream or other products. 

One cherry expert who spoke anonymously to The Central App, said orchards might dump their discarded cherries due to bruising, spoilage or not being a high enough standard for the market. 

Greg Wilkinson posted an image of piles of dumped cherries to the Facebook page, Cromwell Today. Image courtesy Greg Wilkinson/Facebook. 

“If we put them to market we run the risk of flooding the New Zealand market, it’s not very big and the amount of fruit that is now classed as local market will drive prices down and it will cost more to pack and transport it than we would get in returns.

“The other side of the coin is, the rain has caused way more rots and the cherries may look okay, but if they were even close to rot spores it will be infected, and we are also throwing away soft fruit which won’t last very long.

“And dumping the fruit is good for disease control, rather them (the infected cherries) in the dump than on the orchard.

“We also take thermal imaging of the fruit for internal bruising.”