Weather News

Storm study reveals 'widespread' orchard damage

A study into storm damage to Victoria's orchards has found the Goulburn Valley was one of the hardest hit areas.

Strong winds, heavy rain and hail lashed the Shepparton area on March 7.

The study found fruit caught in the hail storms was bruised, pierced or smashed, but hail nets saved many crops.

John Wilson from Fruit Growers Victoria says the damage bill is expected to be up to $15 million.

"They were very widespread, about 20 per cent of Victoria's orchards were affected in some degree, some of them very minor but there were several orchards that were severely damaged by the storms with a large loss of fruit," he said.

- ABC

© ABC 2010

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