The cherry orchard at Forest Lodge defines itself as "possibly the first commercial agricultural enterprise in the world to be zero fossil fuels and 100% electric."
Located in central Otago, New Zealand, the company uses a wide range of electrical equipment including anti-frost fans, irrigation pumps, and vehicles, all powered by a 23 kW solar array and a 105 kWh battery, supplemented by New Zealand's high-intensity renewable electric grid.
"Instead of telling farmers what to do, we're showing them what we've done and the numbers," says farmer Mike Casey, who founded the farm with his wife Rebecca and will be one of the key speakers at this year's National Renewable Energy in Agriculture Conference in Queensland.
Also presenting at the Toowoomba conference is local meat producer Caitlin McConnel, who will discuss her cattle grazing experience under solar panels and why it's crucial for agriculture and renewable energies to work together.
"Since 2010, my family has been grazing beef cattle under specially designed solar trackers to ensure continuous cattle production while using minimal agricultural land," explains McConnel.
The National Conference on Renewable Energy in Agriculture was launched in 2019 by NSW farmer Karin Stark, after struggling to find readily available information on alternative fossil fuels. It brings together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, leading organizations, and government representatives to share stories of renewable and electrical technologies on farms.
"With the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy becoming increasingly vital, the National Conference on Renewable Energy in Agriculture is a critical platform for industry operators to collaborate, innovate, and pave the way toward a more sustainable future," says Stark.
Read the full article: Renew Economy
Image: Renew Economy
05 Jul 2024
"The trees have not had a chance to acclimatise to this cold weather," said Sukhpaul Bal, cherry grower and president of the B.C. Cherry Association. "This is where we have seen a huge reduction in volume due to a rapid change in temperature."
06 Jun 2024
‘Agriculture is disappearing in Sierra,’ warns Inocencio Manuel Sánchez vice-president in charge of the Cepeda cooperative and points out that it can become problematic for a small producer or cooperative to be able to sell, for example, cherries.
17 Jul 2026
Early heat, faster ripening and overlapping harvests across Vignola, Puglia and Trentino shaped the 2026 cherry campaign. Valfrutta Fresco and Agrintesa protected value, quality and grower returns through Vignola IGP cherries, organized supply and strong market demand.
17 Jul 2026
Bacterial canker of sweet cherry, caused by several Pseudomonas syringae pathogens, threatens orchard yield and longevity. This article examines causes, symptoms, spread, diagnosis, and integrated strategies for sustainable prevention and control in cherry orchards.
