Property Collection - Growers remain positive despite Covid-related labour shortage through harvest

June 2021

With the shortage of overseas workers, many growers have moved directly from harvest to pruning, rather than taking a break in between as they usually would.

Following a poor flowering season grape yields were low: in some vineyards up to 50 per cent lower than average. This has been balanced by high quality fruit, meaning a superior vintage is in prospect.

Avocados and kiwifruit growers enjoyed solid harvests.

Investment in horticulture remains steady, with development across most parts of the sector, including cherries, kiwifruit and apples. Land use change continues with some dairy land converting to avocado and kiwifruit orchards in the Far North, while in Canterbury some dairy farmers are diversifying by growing potatoes. Corporate investors are also diversifying, ensuring horticulture is part of their wider portfolio mix.

Duncan Fletcher

Fruitfed Supplies National Manager

Read the full edition of the Winter Property Collection here >