Facing up to new challenges

New Zealand top fruit growers and exporters are facing challenging times this season. These stem in part from adverse weather, which has reduced overall volumes and individual fruit size, but are also due to volatile economic conditions in key export markets, especially those in Asia. Further pressure is coming from uncertainty after deregulation and the removal of the single desk marketing system, which has led to a lack of planning and commitment by some growers. This situation is in stark contrast to 2001/02 when favourable weather bolstered output and exports to 480,000 tonnes and 325,000t respectively. Further impetus came from higher export packouts, a competitive New Zealand dollar against other currencies and limited availability of preferred varieties in principal foreign markets. Lynda Seaton reports.