With the harvest still going for some, and sales data still coming in, it is a little premature to comment conclusively on the season, but some clear themes are emerging.
The season has been bountiful, and quality has been favourable but conditions in some areas have been challenging with those growers having to work hard to keep fruit clean and nurture it to maturity.
The domestic market has enjoyed a consistent supply of good fruit, and cherry exports have surpassed 5,000 tonnes for the first time – a milestone for our industry. While orchard yields have been favourable, I’m aware that our markets are extremely competitive, especially China where the huge influx of Chilean fruit has made it even more important for New Zealand exporters to deliver on quality and explore market diversification. Collaborating with the Government to enhance and maintain advantageous market access remains a top priority for Summerfruit NZ.
I’m hearing that the availability of seasonal labour has been less of an issue this year, however, growers continue to report margin squeeze from ever-increasing input costs. The Government is aware of the situation, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of the industry for settings that quell inflation and reduce red tape in an effort to support the improvement of real returns.
I am sure that the squeeze on margins will be a topic of conversation at our conference in Blenheim on 25-26 June. Registrations are now open, and I hope to see you there.
Fruit fly biosecurity response re-activated
While it was a relief to close out the first successful Oriental fruit fly response, that relief was short-lived when a second fly was found, this time in Birkenhead.
Summerfruit NZ is once again involved in the response, which is being led by Biosecurity NZ. These responses are a good reminder of the need for the entire New Zealand primary sector to be ready and able to respond. It is with this in mind that the Summerfruit NZ Board is working with me to review our industry’s current level of preparedness.
I am sure the outcome of this review will be decisions that ensure our industry is in a better position to respond – both from practical and financial standpoints.
Levy vote
We are currently drafting our levy proposal document. This document will form the basis of our consultation with growers. That consultation will start with the SummerGreen meetings in April and conclude when voting begins on 4 August. Between these two bookends, there will be plenty of opportunities for growers to have their say and provide us with feedback.
But please don’t wait until then. I am very interested to hear your views, right away, as the season concludes. Please drop me a line: dean.smith@summerfruitnz.co.nz or phone me on: 027 461 6020.
Regards, Dean
Clear themes emerging from season