Some Central Otago orchards say this season s crop is a write off, while others are struggling to find enough workers.
One orchardist calculates he has lost up to 40 percent of his cherries crop this season (file image).
Photo: summerfruitnz.co.nz
It has been a tough season for the growers, with Covid-19 border restrictions cutting the crucial supply of overseas workers.
To make matters worse, a deluge hit during the peak cherry harvest.
Ettrick Gardens co-owner John Preedy has been growing fruit, berries and vegetables in the small Central Otago town of Ettrick for decades.
The orchard scraped through the busy berry picking period, but is entering crunch time as students head home.