4th generation grower, Simon Easton grows 65 hectares of apples with his brother Mat at Wairepo Holdings Ltd in Lower Moutere, Tasman, New Zealand. The main varieties are Envy, Koru, Ambrosia, Jazz, Fuji and Royal Gala and they will be grafting more Evercrisp this spring.
It's been a tough couple of years for New Zealand's apple growers, and Simon said it still a bit early to say how this season will go.
"Growers have had some terrible years with cyclones, hail and terrible returns. Last year was ok, but our cost of production has gone through the roof. We need a few good seasons just to pull ourselves together financially. Easier market access and tariff reductions into markets like Japan and India need to happen sooner than later."
Yields and sizes are smaller than they would like but brix levels are incredible, according to Simon; 17 on Fuji and 16-17 on Pink Lady. They are currently harvesting Envy and Pink Lady.
"Asia, Europe and the UK are the main export markets, but Europe and the UK are not our main focus as grower returns in these markets have not changed much in 20 years. The Free Trade Agreement with Europe will help but there needs to be a big change in returns in this market. We are grafting all our Jazz this spring and looking at the Pinks after this. The $30 return we get in a good year from the UK and Europe barely covers our costs. Envy, Ambrosia and others all get over $40 or high 30s."
Simon does not grow varieties for specific markets but he tries to grow fruit which has a future in Asia. "I think if things don't change, 90% plus of our fruit will be going to Asia within 3 years. We have also just signed up for the first Chinese grader in New Zealand from Reemoon."
For more information:
Simon Easton
Wairepo Holdings Ltd
simon@wairepo.co.nz