Apricots from Lowdina Orchard in Coal River Valley are in demand
DEMAND is growing for the juicy apricots from a converted mixed-cropping farm in the Coal River Valley.
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DEMAND is growing for the juicy apricots from a converted mixed-cropping farm in the Coal River Valley.
About 15 years ago, Ian and Denise Newnham converted their cropping farm, near Campania, to create Lowdina Orchard to grow cherries and mostly Moorpark variety apricots.
With 26-year-old son Jake they run one of the few family-owned orchards in southern Tasmania.
“Demand is sensational and we have finished with some nice fruit this season,” Mr Newnham said.
“But it’s been a challenging year dealing with snow in winter, which affects flowering, and now the dry conditions. Fortunately we have irrigated water.
“It’s all about reliable supply of premium fruit into a niche market.”
Demand for Lowdina apricots has increased over the past three years supplying local and domestic markets.
The orchard has 4000 apricot trees on 6ha and is on track to pick 60 tonnes of apricots.
The season will run for about another two weeks.
Picking and packing the fruit is a multi-national crew of 45 mostly French travellers.
Fruit is sold at local farmers’ markets and at a roadside stall where homemade ice cream is also on offer.
Four years ago Mrs Newnham started value-adding the fruit making, her own ice cream and smoothies.
“It is going really well — it’s a lot of work but it compliments our fruit,” Mrs Newnham said.
On Monday, Lowdina expects to start picking cherries growing on the 10,000 trees on 12ha. That season will run to early next month.
“More demand is also coming from China and other international markets for cherries,” Mrs Newnham said.
For more rural stories see Tasmanian Country online, or pick up a print copy, out every Friday.
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