Sultanas: Harvest Starts a Week EarlierSultanas: Harvest Starts a Week Earlier World Agriculture In vineyards across Australia, grape growers are celebrating the start of the sultana harvest, which has begun a week earlier than usual due to favorable weather conditions. The early harvest is attributed to a warm and dry winter, followed by a spring with consistent temperatures and adequate rainfall. These optimal conditions have accelerated grape development, leading to an earlier ripening process. Sultanas, a variety of seedless grape, are a significant crop for Australian agriculture. The country is the world’s second-largest producer of sultanas, behind Turkey. The early harvest will allow growers to capitalize on export opportunities and meet the global demand for this popular dried fruit. “We’re expecting a bumper crop this year,” said Peter Hackworth, chairman of the Australian Dried Fruits Association. “The grapes are of excellent quality, with high sugar content and minimal disease.” The earlier harvest will also benefit growers by reducing water usage and labor costs. With the grapes maturing earlier, they require less irrigation and have a shorter harvesting window, decreasing the need for additional labor. The sultana harvest is a vital industry for Australia, providing employment and economic benefits to rural communities. The early start to the season is a welcome sign for growers and a positive indication for the country’s agricultural sector.
Sultanas: harvest starts a week earlierWorld Agriculture
