Tuesday, 05 November 2024 08:55

Growers seek regulatory support to boost exports

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
The apples and pears sector outstripped national export growth, sending $892m worth of fruits overseas in 2023. The apples and pears sector outstripped national export growth, sending $892m worth of fruits overseas in 2023.

Apples and pears growers, targeting $2 billion in revenue by 2035, are banking on the support of local and central government.

The country's 288 export growers exported $892 million worth of apples and pears in 2023, compared to $347m in 2012, outstripping national export growth.

New Zealand Apples and Pears chief executive Karen Morrish says the growth in export value has come from increased productivity, investment in high value varieties as well as the diversification of international markets.

Morrish says this means the sector is well placed to further align with the Government's desire to double export value in 10 years.

However, growth is dependent on the supportive economic and regulatory conditions.

"Since 2020, conditions have not been ideal with growers struggling to access labour due to Covid-19 border closures, and Cyclone Gabrielle decimating the 2023 crop. As a result, industry revenue has declined by around 0.5%, per year from 2020 to 2023," Morrish told Rural News.

"We want to ensure there is an operating environment that is conducive to growth.


Read More


"The general cost of production has increased like most parts of the agricultural and horticultural industry, so that's squeezed margin and had a significant impact on orchard gate returns.

"We want to focus on improving returns for growers, which could include a change of settings for labour, capital compliance, market access, terms of trade, environmental regulations and water security as well as the ongoing accessibility to tools."

Last month, New Zealand Apples and Pears released new research from MartinJenkins that showed the industry contributes almost $2 billion of total revenue impact to the national economy. It found that the industry contributes $918 million to New Zealand's GDP, comprising of $348 million direct sector contribution and $570 million of industry linkages and spending. Regionally, the industry is more significant again, particularly in Nelson, Tasman and Hawke's Bay, where it is the second and third largest contributor to regional GDP respectively.

The industry has 10,727ha of land with orchards, and 45 export packhouses send about 18 million TCEs (18kg Tray Carton Equivalents) overseas.

Morrish says they hope the new report will further encourage local and central governments to recognise the value of the industry and work with them to ensure there is an operating environment that is conducive to growth.

"If this is in place, our growers will continue to grow the value of the sector and see our communities further supported.

"With the right settings, the valuable role of our industry to national and regional economies can be secured, and we can continue to produce the world's best quality fruit right here in New Zealand."

More like this

Helping develop, grow markets

While NZ Avocado is not directly involved in selling fruit, it does have a significant role in supporting exporters to develop and grow markets.

Avocados bounce back!

After two challenging years, the country’s avocado growers are quietly optimistic that a good year is in the making.

Ready for a new challenge

After spending 20 years running her own successful environmental consultancy in Central Otago, Kate Scott is ready for a new challenge.

Pipfruit sector's huge economic impact

OPINION: When we set out to document the economic impact of New Zealand's apple and pear industry, we expected to see a trickle-down effect somewhere along the way.

Featured

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

National

Machinery & Products

GEA launches robotic milkers

Milking technology provider GEA Farm Technologies is introducing its first automatic milking system (AMS) in New Zealand.

More front hoppers

German seeding specialists Horsch have announced a new 1600- litre double-tank option that will join its current Partner FT single…

Origin Ag clocks up 20 years

With roots dating back to 2004, Origin Ag was formed as a co-operative business model that removed the traditional distributor,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dark ages

OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…

Rhymes with?

OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter