In a devastating blow to Victorian pear growers, another hail storm hit the Goulburn Valley on 12 November 2015, further damaging orchards. “APAL would like to extend any support that we can to pear growers affected by this second hailstorm,” APAL CEO John Dollisson said. “It is heart-breaking to hear about this additional damage.” Fruit Growers Victoria (FGV) ran a meeting following the previous hailstorm to share useful information on how to manage affected orchards. For more information on this and on APAL’s planned ‘Hailstorm Heroes’ marketing campaign see Hope and help for growers affected by hail. Assessments of the additional damage are currently underway by FGV. FGV are also preparing a submission to the Victorian Government for hail net subsidies. Data collection on crop loads would assist in the success of this submission and they are requesting Victorian growers to contact them on +61 (0)3 5825 3700 to provide this data. John Dollisson has also contacted the Victorian Minister for Agriculture the Hon Jaala Pulford and is awaiting an appointment time to discuss the matter and what more can be done for growers. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com