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
19 Jan 2024
According to the US Department of Agriculture, Michigan had 23,000 acres of sour cherries in 2022. The number of growers decreased from 540 in 2006 to 253 in 2022. The number of processors also decreased from 24 in 2011 to 14 in 2023.
20 Jan 2026
Chilean Santina cherries have officially been classified as a low glycemic index (GI=39) food. This result opens new doors for nutrition-focused marketing and reinforces cherries' status as a healthy, smart fruit choice for consumers aiming for a balanced and low-GI diet.
01 May 2026
Sweet cherry cracking significantly impacts yield and market quality. Research highlights the key role of pectins and calcium in cell adhesion and tissue stability, offering valuable insights to reduce fruit splitting and improve orchard management strategies.
01 May 2026
Fruit cracking in cherry trees in India can cause losses of up to 85%, affecting quality and market value. This article examines physiological and environmental causes and highlights effective strategies, from irrigation to nutrient management, to reduce damage.
