Organic apple orchardists facing bleak future

The weight of an unfavourable exchange rate has taken its toll on Marlborough's organic apple export industry, with the sole remaining organic grower choosing to concentrate on the local market.

As recently as two years ago there were eight growers in the region exporting organic apples, but with the decision of Awatere Valley grower Geoff Swift to convert his orchard to cabernet sauvignon grapes, there is only one major grower left.

The grower, John Blackmore, said while longterm, large-scale players such as those in Hawkes Bay continued to do well overseas, reduced returns due to the high dollar on top of the additional costs facing organic apple growers meant organic apple exporting had not become established in Marlborough.

He produced between 16,000 and 17,000 cases a year from his 8ha orchard.

He concentrated mainly on the popular pacific rose varieties, which thrive in Marlborough under organic growing conditions better than in other areas.

Mr Blackmore said exporting organic apples had always been a struggle, with issues such as the cost of complying with export protocols adding to the problem of the exchange rate.

Added to this was the fact that the general infrastructure needed to support fruit growing in Marlborough was in decline as grapes became more dominant.

He said overseas markets were also very sensitive to product quality.

"It is important for the apples to have the size profile appropriate for each specific market. "

Mr Blackmore said he had taken on marketing his apples himself directly to supermarkets and speciality fruit shops.

It has been a matter of starting out small and building up his credibility from there.

- NZPA