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.