Farm monitoring analysis from New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has confirmed the country’s apple industry is in poor health.
According to a report by Radio New Zealand, the industry is struggling with unfavourable growing conditions and a high currency relative to those of its major trading partners.
A MAF report based on pipfruit orchard models for this season suggested growers in the Nelson region would be hardest hit and would make, on average, a loss of NZ$54,000 (US$45,200). This is contrasted with the Hawke’s Bay where it was predicted growers would make, on average, a profit of NZ$5,000.
Senior policy analyst Annette Carey told Radio New Zealand the Hawke’s Bay had a variety mix more suited to Asia, whereas orchards in the Nelson region grew varieties targeted to European markets.
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