Cherry production for 2013-14 is forecast at 14,000MT which is 12 percent higher than the revised forecast for 2012-13 of 12,400MT. The increase in production is driven by optimal seasonal conditions.
Production of peaches and nectarines is forecast to fall nearly 25 percent in 2013-14 to 100,000MT due to adverse market conditions which have forced a number of growers out of the industry.Stone fruit from California and the Pacific Northwest of the United States was granted access to the Australian market in July 2013 with shipments beginning immediately. Industry estimates that total exports of stone fruit to Australia will reach $50 million within five years
