Australia: Apple and pear crops damaged by hail, huge losses in orchards

The apple and pear crops in Australia's Goulburn Valley were damaged by sudden hail. The storm that came yesterday afternoon hit the young fruit plantings in a large area of northern Victoria. Post hail loss estimation is in progress. Fruit Growers Victoria spokesman Michael Crisera checked the damage: "Probably 50 percent of the region has been hit by hail to varying degrees, everywhere from Cobram, Ardmona, parts of Tatura, Shepparton and Shepparton East." Crisera urged the government to help growers who have lost their crops. The hailstorm only exacerbates the difficult year for fruit ...