Southern launchpad for Rockit
One of the power farming families of South Canterbury is branching out into orcharding with the establishment of a large apple orchard, near Rangitata.
“Growing apples uses significantly less water, requires markedly lower nitrogen inputs than either dairy or arable production and, as a perennial crop, doesn’t require annual cultivation,” explains chairman John Loughlin.
General manager commercial Tom Lane says a key part of the company’s strategy was geographical diversification.
“Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne remain home for Rockit, but we are looking to ensure the longterm resilience of our growing footprint,” he told Hort News. “We are using climate scenario modelling to identify new growing regions and see Canterbury becoming a prime region for horticultural production in New Zealand in coming years.”
Welcoming the alliance with the Turleys, Lane says they have a well-deserved reputation as excellent growers at the forefront of innovation and diversification.
“We are proud to have them as our first commercial partner in the South Island.”
