In New Zealand, particularly within Hawke’s Bay, the apple sector has experienced a significant setback due to Cyclone Gabrielle, with the industry's market manager, Danielle Adsett, revealing a loss of 610 hectares out of 6500 hectares of apple orchards. This loss, she explains to Hort News, could be an underestimation as it doesn't account for partially damaged orchards.
Adsett highlights the resilience within the sector, noting that not all land impacted will be barren forever. Some areas, despite the devastation, still possess fertile soil conducive to replanting, with efforts underway to rehabilitate the land. This includes the introduction of vegetable crops to enhance soil fertility in preparation for future apple orchards. Despite the visible devastation and the estimated $200 million in lost income, there's a wave of optimism among growers.
This optimism is buoyed by a surprisingly good crop on the trees and the reconstruction of a packhouse destroyed by the cyclone, poised to resume operations this season. Adsett underscores the positive outlook towards the market's reception of New Zealand apples, including new varieties that are gaining popularity among consumers.
Source: ruralnewsgroup.co.nz
