The first Tasmanian cherries of the season are making their way to local shops just in time for Christmas.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jo Palmer joined local growers and retailers as the first crops were put out for sale.
"Cherries are the centre piece of many Christmas Day tables across Tasmania and this year is set to be no different," Minister Palmer said.
"Growers are telling me the pre-Christmas crop is looking like one of the biggest they've had for several years.
"They've assured me there will be enough cherries to go around, so you can head to your local store and find some of the tastiest cherries you're ever likely to find.
Tassie cherries are darker in colour and sweet, which makes them sought after across the world.
With Tassie cherries in Tasmanian owned grocers, it's also the perfect time to buy local.
"Choose what's in season and share the best our state has to offer with your family and friends," said Minister Palmer.
Our fantastic growers are also being recognised, with Nic Hansen crowned a champion of biosecurity for his work in protecting Tasmania from fruit fly.
"His orchard is one of the top three producers of cherries in Tasmania and expects to contribute 600 tonnes to the industry this year," Minister Palmer said.
"Nic's workers are busy delivering local cherries to Hillstreet Grocers across the state ready for the Christmas table."
According to the AgriFood Score card – cherries were worth $73 million in 2021 and remained the most valuable international fruit export, increasing by 15.9% to $43 million.
The Rockliff Liberal Government is backing Tasmanian farmers and our fruit producers with strong biosecurity measures.
The recently launched Biosecurity Strategy aims to build on the strengths and capabilities of current systems to meet new and emerging threats, through legislation, technology, and increasing biosecurity awareness.
