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
09 Apr 2024
A reduction in sour cherry orchards and processing plants is expected. "The cost of planting and maintaining the current orchards is high," says Tim Brian, president of Smeltzer Orchard Co. "and there are not many to replace them."
10 Mar 2025
The results of a recent study showed a significant reduction in bird damage in covered rows compared to uncovered ones. Furthermore, measurements of fruit quality showed no significant differences.
21 Oct 2026
A study of greenhouse-grown Sunburst sweet cherries in Beijing, China, compares hand pollination, growth regulators and honey bees. Hand pollination raises fruit set to 71.68% while maintaining good fruit firmness. Costs and results across seasons still need assessment.
21 Oct 2026
Cherry irrigation and fertilization: practical guidance on water, nutrients and root growth. Learn how irrigation frequency, calcium and nitrogen applications, soil inspections and compaction management can support fruit quality, healthy roots and productive orchards.
