New Zealand strawberry growers report that plant supply has returned to normal levels after two seasons of storm-related losses that cut national plant stocks by more than one-third. The improvement comes ahead of the Christmas period, when consumer demand typically peaks.
Grower Ed Hobson of Hauora Produce in Canterbury said he is "pretty excited" ahead of this year's harvest. "We've had a good start. There are lots of flowers and fruit coming through," he said. Hauora Produce is among roughly 160 commercial strawberry farms in the country, with eight growers responsible for around half of the national plant production.
Extreme weather during the past two seasons, including heavy storms and Cyclone Gabrielle, resulted in reduced plant availability. Strawberry Growers NZ executive director Sally King said growers were "very resilient" but noted that "it hasn't been easy." She said the industry has dealt with lower plant numbers and changes in the grower base. Hobson added that his farm "only got half our quota" two years ago, with similar shortages experienced across the sector.
Plant recovery has depended on propagation nurseries rebuilding stock over a two-year cycle. Tharfield Nursery's Andrew Boylan recalled how "devastating" it was to be informed late in the season that plants would not be ready for supermarket supply. He said this year's process has been more stable. "It's a challenge to grow a strawberry and grow a juicy, good one, but we've got a good team behind us and we're succeeding at the moment."
King said "events unfold" but noted that growers are "looking pretty happy about the season – or as happy as any grower would tell you."
With the current crop now entering harvest and the next crop already in early development, growers expect stable availability. Hobson said, "You'll start seeing good pricing and good supply." He encouraged continued consumption, adding, "Just keep eating strawberries."
Source: 1News
