Larger crop next season is industry 'tipping point

摘要

Achieving a predicted crop of 6 milhon trays in just the next season on the path to the industry goal of 12 million trays by 2015 will represent a tipping point for which the industry must be well prepared, warns John Schnackenberg, chairman of the New Zealand Avocado Growers Association and Avocado Industry Council. He told the 65 growers who attended the NZAGA's science and annual general meeting in Tauranga on August 27 that the industry must plan carefully for growth. "It will happen. The numberof trees in the ground and their age shows 12 million trays by 2015 is very real and we must ensure we can produce and sell the fruit to achieve the best value for growers within an industry which is sustainable." Mr Schnackenberg said the industry mustalso carefully review its future strategy in light of results of the recent grower survey which showed more than 60% of growers were over the age of 56 and for almost 60% of growers, avocados accounted for only 10 to 20% of their income.