Forest Lodge Orchard: the world's first 100% electric cherry orchard

13 Dec 2023
1204

The Forest Lodge Orchard, the world's first cherry orchard powered by 100% electricity and free of fossil fuels, is a visionary venture led by Mike Casey, founder of New Zealand Zero (NZ0). After a successful technology start-up in Australia, Mike and his wife Rebecca returned to New Zealand to realise their dream of owning a house in Central Otago and starting a cherry orchard on eight hectares.

Sensitive to the impact of climate change, the Casey's adopted sustainable solutions for their orchard, planting 9,300 cherry trees using the Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO) system, a high-density form of cultivation that optimises land use and minimises water and energy requirements.

The daring decision to eliminate fossil fuels from the orchard was made possible through the installation of a solar and battery system, frost-proof electric fans instead of diesel fans, and the use of solar electric vehicles for internal travel. The result is an orchard with a near-zero energy bill, with the possibility of selling excess energy back to the grid.

Mike Casey, keen to share his experience, founded NZ0 with the aim of supporting the transition to sustainable, fossil fuel-free horticultural solutions. The brand offers acceptance that rewards producers who use renewable energy.

The decarbonisation process, according to Mike, requires a smart approach and changes in approach, as demonstrated by the development of a grant-supported electric sprayer. The use of subsidies, such as that of AGMARDT, contributed significantly to the success of the Forest Lodge Orchard.

The cherry market test showed that consumers were willing to pay an 18% premium for sustainable products, significantly reducing the payback period of electrifying the orchard. Mike, focused on technology and finance, recognises the importance of building a highway to decarbonisation, combining sustainability and profitability to ensure real and lasting change in farming practices.

Read the full article: Rural Delivery

Image: Forest Lodge Orchard


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Studies from California reveal some problems with insecticide resistance of Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection Press review

03 Nov 2023

Scientific studies have shown a decrease in susceptibility of SWD adults to Spinosad, malathion and Spinetoram. In trials in which researchers expected 100% control of SWD, they found a mortality of between 55% and 75%.

Patagonian cherries: technology and management to improve quality and reduce losses

Markets Production Press review

24 Jan 2024

Due to their differentiated quality, these cherries obtained the first Denomination of Origin of the province. Furthermore, the cherries produced in Los Antiguos are the last to be harvested in the southern hemisphere, in the period between December and mid-February.

In evidenza

Quality and safe arrival: Chile’s winning cherry strategy for 2026

Markets

25 Apr 2025

Chilean experts agree: for a successful 2026 season, cherries must be high-quality and arrive in top condition. Focus on logistics, reliability, premium markets, and differentiation strategies.

Karyotypic diversity of the Chinese cherry: new perspectives for variety selection

Breeding

25 Apr 2025

A study on Chinese cherry in Guizhou uncovers broad karyotypic variation in 28 local accessions. These results offer key insights for breeding programs and highlight the genetic value of Prunus pseudocerasus in Chinese agriculture.

Tag Popolari