News about New Zealand

Cherries and climate: how new varieties are helping Australian farmers

Varieties

16 Oct 2024

Developed by the international breeding company Bloom Fresh, the low-temperature varieties have been planted with the hope of increasing supply to meet the appetite of Australians and exports for these festive fruits.

Waimea Nurseries (New Zealand) introduces dwarfing rootstock selections

Rootstocks

27 Sep 2024

Gisela® 12 and 6 are currently being grown indoors in tissue culture at the Waimea Nurseries laboratory and are being tested in orchards in Central Otago, including Clyde Orchards and Suncrest Orchard in Cromwell.

Agriculture and solar energy: challenging the electricity market could help New Zealand

Production

19 Sep 2024

According to Mike and Rebecca Casey of Forest Lodge Orchard in central Otago, farmers installing their own solar systems could save New Zealand from an energy crisis if the government allowed them to enter the energy market.

How the UFO system revolutionises farming in Central Otago (New Zealand)

Planting systems

08 Jul 2024

"At the end of the day, all we do is harvest light: without light, nothing can be grown and we have to maximise it," says cherry consultant Earnscy Weaver, who introduced a new cherry growing system in New Zealand.

The Forest Lodge company abandons fossil fuels for a 100% electric approach

Tech management

21 Jun 2024

The company uses a range of electrical equipment, including anti-freeze fans, irrigation pumps and vehicles, all powered by a 23 kW solar system and a 105 kWh battery, as well as by New Zealand's high-intensity renewable electricity grid.

TOMRA's new LUCAi platform for post-harvest efficiency in the US and New Zealand

Post-harvest​

21 May 2024

Cherry packers Prima Frutta Packing, Dunstan Hills and Panmure Orchards in California, the US and New Zealand have implemented TOMRA's LUCAi technology, achieving ‘improved grading and a productivity increase of around 10%’.

Robots to help cherry growers in New Zealand

Tech management

10 Apr 2024

Burro units are fully electrified, allowing to greatly enhance sustainable footprint in operations, with estimated reduction in carbon emissions of up to 80,000kg’s of C02e annually, and 70% reduction in running costs per 40-hectares block of cherries.

Southern Fruits International (New Zealand) promotes online pre-sales, expected to double volumes in 2024

Press review

22 Feb 2024

Southern Fruits International's Beyond brand cherries will continue to be available for online purchase throughout the season,' says Sharon Kirk, the company's founder and marketing manager, 'through online sales of 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg boxes.

In Otago, an experimental project on freezing cherries promises new opportunities for the New Zealand market

Post-harvest​ Quality Press review

29 Jan 2024

Every year an average of 2,207 tonnes of Central Otago cherries are discarded or not harvested due to imperfections. Eden Orchards, known for its juices, has experimented with individual freezing of cherries in an attempt to develop a commercially viable process.

New Zealand boosts export campaign in Asia: excellent demand and online sales

Markets Press review

03 Jan 2024

The Chinese market, says Sharon Kirk of Southern Fruits International, has shown more interest in 26mm fruit and 1kg boxes this year. So far there has been very good demand and the fruit will continue to be available for purchase online throughout the season.