Jens Liesebach, KGI Lower North Island Representative
Leaves are off, secateurs are out. Pruning in the Hawke’s Bay is in full swing, setting the foundation for next year’s crop. During this time it is important to keep sprays up to protect leaf scars and pruning wounds from PSA infections. Kiwifruit packhouses are starting to wind down their packing operation as nearly all kiwifruit orchards in New Zealand have been harvested.
Last week, NZKGI CEO, Colin Bond commented on the revision of the Official Supply Estimate, as it has seen the industry down some 15 million trays on previous forecasts. While forecasts are forecasts, such significant shifts in volume have financial ramifications for both growers and the wider industry. The whole supply chain is heavily reliant on these numbers to ensure we are operating as efficiently and profitably as possible. It isn’t normal for the industry to make such large revisions to forecasts. It will be important that we take time to understand why this has occurred.
The Zespri Global Supply (ZGS) business has been running successfully for decades. In order to be responsive to market trends, expansion is required in strategic places worldwide. Following consultation with the industry earlier this year, Zespri has now confirmed it will be seeking New Zealand kiwifruit grower approval for expansion of the ZGS business in a Producer Vote. Similar to the Producer Vote, NZKGI will continue to provide growers with in-depth information over the coming months. More information can be found here.
As we approach the HiCane season, Zespri and NZKGI are once again looking to work with spray contractors and grower applicators to make sure everyone understands the rules and responsibilities we have for keeping the community and each other safe. Zespri will be holding ‘Safe Spray Workshops’ to share the latest research from well-known spray consultant, David Manktelow. David is planning some interactive and practical demonstrations on ways to reduce spray drift risk in the Bay of Plenty. These meetings will also cover an EPA Reassessment update, Zespri Compliance update as well as what’s new in 2022. Dates, locations and more information can be found here.
