SummerGreen Manual
SummerGreen
Summerfruit NZ first introduced an IFP programme in 1997 following a survey of growers, exporters and markets. SummerGreen has developed as the concerns of both international and domestic consumers about food safety and environmental issues increased. SummerGreen has now become Summerfruit NZ's flagship and provides an excellent vehicle for ensuring that technical information is regularly communicated to growers. The programme is continually improved to identify the best management practices for summerfruit production.
Pivotal to the success of SummerGreen has been the use of regular workshops and meetings in both regions and the use of facilitators who coordinate the annual programme. The meetings have hugely benefited from the use of technical or scientific experts speaking directly to growers. This has ensured a rapid uptake of SummerGreen contributing to,
- greater than 85% of New Zealand’s summerfruit is now produced using SummerGreen techniques
- a 90% reduction in the use of organophosphates in summerfruit production
- SummerGreen being an integral part of export market compliance programmes.
To date the emphasis has been on the introduction of new technologies to reduce the use of agrichemicals and to replace those less desirable products with non-chemical or other innovations for pest and disease control. This has been primarily the result of export market requirements for reduced maximum residue limits and residue-free fruit.SummerGreen has been expanded to meet the growing needs of Summerfruit NZ’s membership and consumers. SummerGreen now includes additional emphasis on soils, tree physiology, fruit quality, and postharvest issues.
The SummerGreen Manual can be viewed here
Introduction to the SummerGreen Manual
SummerGreen Manual Contents
Section 1: Introduction to Integrated Fruit Production
Section 2: Pest Management
Section 3: Disease Management
Section 4: Soil Management
Section 5: Weed & Understorey Management