BioGro»

Skeltons was the first product reseller to achieve BioGro certification, a status we retain.  This is the certification system preferred by growers as it has an international status and reputation, is affliliated with IFOAM, and has a very strict compliance policy.

We have been heavily involved in sourcing appropriate compliant input products to meet the needs of our organic growers.  Using our thorough understanding of the system, we devote considerable time and energy to assess which products and systems are authentic and credible so we can communicate this to growers.

Our Specific Services»

Skeltons provides a range of technical services to organic growers including:

• On orchard one-on-one production advice from our technical advisors in pest, disease and nutritional aspects of organic growing.
• Annual production of an organic pest and disease management wall chart.
• Facilitating field days and technical seminars.
• Organising and leading organic grower discussion groups.
• Contact with exporters of organic fruit to understand market requirements.
• Consultation with growers of organic input products, advising on appropriate formulation and contents.
• Providing lists of organically appropriate input products, in association with BioGro for growers, in lieu of BioGro certificates.

Research and Development»

Skeltons technical advisors are well respected by researchers involved in developing products and programmes for the organic growing industry.

We continuously liaise with Hort Research, Pipfruit NZ, and BioGro to ensure the quality of our technical advice to growers.

Our long-term involvement has meant we have identified research needs and are often involved in project initiations and trials.  Some examples include:

• A project to determine the phytotoxic effect of lime sulphur on Braeburn leaves.  Skeltons provided ‘in kind’ assistance and arranged funding from the predominant providers of lime sulphur at the time.  The project was carried out by Jens Wensche of Hort Research, Havelock North.
• Assisting Hort Research with Bronze Beetle information and collection for research projects.
• Producing a well respected Black Spot Control document that identified six areas of relevant research.  To obtain a copy click here?
• Assisting GroChem to develop Blossom Bless, a natural control agent for fireblight.

Why Grow Organically? »

The market returns for organic apples have generally been greater than conventional fruit.  As the world increasingly demands clean and residue-free produce, organics will continue to play a significant role in primary production.

Figures recently produced by BioGro, the main pipfruit organic certifier, show that organic pipfruit production in New Zealand is about 10 percent by volume but attracts 14 percent in dollar terms.

Early ‘pioneers’ primarily in Hawke’s Bay were subject to quality and quantity issues in the early years as they endeavoured to find effective methods of pest and disease control, and to generate good tree health.

Skeltons technical advisors and in particular Malcolm Crawford, worked closely with these ‘pioneer’ growers and others such as Dr Jim Walker (Hort Research), Heidi Steifel, Jack Hughes and Craig Treneman from J Bostock Ltd to develop management strategies to suit full commercial organic pipfruit growing.

The development of this sector has undoubtedly produced beneficial elements for conventional fruit growers and the Integrated Fruit Production and Apple Futures growing systems in New Zealand.  Some examples include:

• The adoption of sulphur and copper sprays as late-season fungicides as a means of producing low residue or residue-free fruit.
• A strong focus on soil health and natural inputs.
• Increased research on the development of effective bio-controls for pests and diseases.