New Zealand apple orchards are now flat-out harvesting. Pip fruit New Zealand's business development manager Gary Jones said it was the latest start to the apple season anyone could remember, but in spite of this the fruit size is excellent, as is the quality and Pipfruit could harvest a record crop.
"Although the season was late we have exported more fruit than we ever have before and places like the Napier Port are saying they've handled more apples at the same date than they have had in any other season.''
However, the industry was struggling to find enough people to pick the crop off the trees, Mr Jones said.
"We are taking a lot more New Zealanders and a large number of Pacific Islanders we have brought in under the Recognised Seasonal Employers' scheme, and we've increased those numbers this year but we're expecting a huge jump next year.
"Unless we get some more workers, next year is going to be a real challenge for us."
Orchards were making up the shortfall in workers this year by having employees work six or seven days a week, which was not ideal, he said.
Source: radionz.co.nz
