Central Otago orchardists report no shortages of seasonal labour ahead of the summer harvest. At Fortune Fruit in Lowburn, assistant orchard manager and packhouse manager Luke St John said about 120 staff would be working at peak times, including around half in picking roles, 50 in the packhouse, and 10 in other tasks. All positions have been filled through word-of-mouth recruitment or by former employees returning. "We turn away a lot of people," St John said, adding that he expects workers to begin arriving on December 15. "I can't wait, I just want to get into it now."
St John noted that strong spring winds marked some cherries on exposed blocks. Apricot blocks, which are sheltered, did not experience the same conditions. He reported a lighter fruit set this season. "For the amount of flowers we had, we don't have that much fruit, that's for sure." He said the reason for limited pollination was unclear.
Ettrick Gardens co-owner Heather Preedy said she also has enough seasonal workers, primarily locals. She observed that many backpackers have been seeking orchard work, a pattern similar to pre-pandemic seasons. Preedy said there were no operational concerns at present. "It looks like a good crop for just about everything, but Mother Nature can change that in a flash. But at the moment, it's looking pretty good."
Source: Rural Life
