A million trays down!
Avocado growers are taking a major hit from weather-related impacts this season.
Linda Flegg, president of NZ Avocado, comes from a family that's been in the horticulture sector - especially kiwifruit - for a long time.
She says the mood of growers varies from region to region. In the Bay of Plenty where Flegg lives, she says growers understand that horticulture is a fickle business and that you have to wear the good with the bad.
She notes that a lot of the new industry entrants will be feeling some financial insecurity.
"Our family have been through boom and bust periods. In terms of avocados, the industry went through a period of about six of seven years when prices were high and returns to growers were exceptional," Flegg told Hort News.
"Some were receiving up to $40 a tray and some saw that as the new norm - which it wasn't. When a grower comes to us and says I am looking at buying an avocado orchard, what should I budget on? We say conservatively $12 dollars a tray."
Flegg says new entrants to the industry must do due diligence and if they can't do that they shouldn't buy. She believes anyone coming into the avocado sector should at least have some primary industry experience. She adds that there is plenty of information available to help people make decisions.
"Do the due diligence, and talk to people, but don't necessarily take the advice of a real estate agent," she says.
Flegg believes the industry is now in the midst of creating a new normal and we all have to go along for the ride.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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