SQUASH ARE ROLLING IN

QUALITY CROP: The squash harvest is in full swing across the district. Quality manager Melanie Poi keeps an eye on what's coming out of the paddock. So far crop quality and yields have been good. Pictures by Paul Rickard

The annual squash harvest is in full swing but direct export from Eastland Port is uncertain due to shipping issues and freight costs.

In previous seasons the squash ship throughput has been significant.

It was once common for around a dozen ships to call here for cargo. Last season there were six.

Two ships due to berth in February were deregistered on the port shipping schedule earlier this month.

One ship, the Oriental Irish, is scheduled for March 12.

“We pushed very hard to get charter shipments out of Gisborne again this season but it proved too difficult,” Four Seasons managing director Elliot Callender said.

“We are still hopeful we can get the charter ship loaded at Eastland Port on March 12.”

Local squash producers have been exporting their crop via Tauranga and Napier, trucking it in crates to either port, where it gets containerised for export.

“Initially there were restrictions on the available time for loading at the Gisborne port because of berth availability,” Mr Callender said.

“Then increased freight rates became an issue and it came down to a choice between charter ships and container vessels.

“It's unfortunate for the local port and it has created a huge strain on road transport to get the crop away to Napier and Tauranga.

“We will see a small decrease in export values on previous years this season due to the shipping issues.”

Four Seasons started its harvest and export before Christmas.

“We've had a very busy early season, and we're still very busy — in full swing right now.

“The crops are looking good, yields too.

“There's lots of moisture and heat and that's moving the crops forward quite quickly.”

Coxco managing director Omi Badsar said their squash crops look good too.

“Harvesting's going really well and we're happy with the yields. At this stage the yields look to be average to above average.”

Mr Badsar concurred with Mr Callendar's comments regarding shipping.

“We will also see a small drop in our export values because of the shipping issues.”

LeaderBrand have also been harvesting and exporting squash since before Christmas. LeaderBrand's Richard McPhail said it has been a good run so far.