During a recent Madeira Assembly meeting, Rafael Nunes, (Juntos Pelo Povo – JPP), stated that of the 415 farmers who farm 64 hectares of land devoted to cherry and sour cherry production, only 27 tonnes of fruit will be harvested this year, equating to 10 percent of the annual projected harvest. Furthermore, some farmers crops have been totally decimated this year. In conclusion, he said that 2020 will go down as the worst ever year for cherry production in the region.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) representative voiced his opinion that the regional government should conduct a survey as to why 2020 has proved so disastrous for cherry and sour cherry producers, and recommended that an ‘extraordinary programme’ be established to help all those affected, especially those located in Jardim da Serra, Curral das Freiras and Serra d’Água.
A PSD representative stepped in and said that help should also be afforded to the island’s apple and pear farmers.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com