A produce supply company based in Gisborne, New Zealand, where Tropcial Cyclone Pam passed through, has confirmed that there was no disruption to market supply, and minimal damage following the strong winds and rain in the area on Tuesday. “While we had about 100ml of rain around the flats and a bit of wind, stronger than normal, most crops fared pretty well. A little lodging as you would expect but I cannot say any real damage,” notes Richard Burke, of LeaderBrand New Zealand. “Yes it was a bit of a storm but we have had stronger unforecast events.”
The cyclone did slow down harvest for a couple of days, but Mr Burke confirms that that was ‘by choice’ for growers, and that staff on farms had been working hard in the lead up to the event. There was bruising to some salad crops, but nothing that will impact the market.
The rain also drew a mixed reaction from growers of different crops, according to Mr Burke. “Grass growers loved it but most of us croppers would have preferred continued dry conditions and all of us grape growers did not enjoy the rain,” he adds. The areas vineyards are said to be the most affected by heavy rainfall.
While the Gisborne region is an idyllic paradise much of the time, Mr Burke was keen to point out that all farmers all over the world are used to dealing with weather events including cyclones. “Every day like every farmer around the world we worry. Even in paradise we can have the odd hiccup,” he says.
Luckily New Zealand escaped the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Pam, which tore through Vanuatu and has left the local community calling for food and aid, and a long rebuilding project ahead.