Fruit growers don t want a repeat of the season they re currently having
Fruit growers don t want a repeat of the season they re currently having 12 April 2021
The sector s been hit hard by closed borders and a lack of workers to pick fruit.
Six hundred million in losses have been predicted for provincial economies as a result.
Apples and Pears Chief Executive Allan Pollard says it s been tough for the industry to cope with.
He says they ve made it clear they can t go through another season like how it is now, and that things will need to change.
Pollard says it would be unconscionable to think the fruit sector is heavily constrained, when New Zealand relies on its success.
New Zealand apple industry facing difficulties meeting demand
February 02 , 2021
There is a strong global demand for apples, but it is uncertain whether the New Zealand apple crop will be able to meet it according to the news site, STUFF.
This is reportedly due to a combination of lower volumes and a lack of a reliable seasonal workforce.
NZ Apples and Pears Chief Executive Alan Pollard reportedly said that there were indications of strong demand in key markets, but continuing disruption to international shipping schedules and port congestion gave cause for concerns.
Additionally, Pollard told STUFF that the New Zealand national crop estimate was down 5 percent from 2020 at 558,672 metric tonnes (MT).