Hail damage costs GV millions of dollars

Apples and pears suffered the brunt of the damage in hailstorms recorded on November 1, December 22 and March 23.

The Goulburn Valley produces 40 to 50 per cent of Australia’s apples and 90 per cent of Australia’s pears.

Fruit Growers Victoria chairman Mitchell McNab said the impacts of these crop losses were not only affecting the horticultural industry but other businesses that rely on the supply of the fruit.

He said the losses had a significant effect on downstream businesses.

The most serious storm occurred on December 22, when bin losses were estimated at 145,000 and asset losses totalled $56 million.