New Zealand’s apple industry is working towards becoming spray-free by 2050, as this move should allow it to hold on to high-value export markets. To achieve this, the apple industry has received $15 million in funding.
Rachel Kilmister, research and development program manager at NZ Apple and Pears, said the group had received government backing for a seven-year research program to work towards sustainable production practices. The program would aim to reduce agrichemical use by employing targeted and smart technologies, like remote sensing, to detect pests. It would also use new apple varieties that were more resistant to pest and disease. The industry also aimed to reduce its carbon footprint.
Source: stuff.co.nz
