If we are to stay competitive on the world stage, with such a significant level of investment and shrinking profit margins to growers, it is vitally important that our growers are able to maximise the benefits of intensive planting, and minimize mistakes.

This four year project, funded by Pipfruit NZ and run by AgFirst, studies 50 blocks of apples and pears throughout New Zealand planted in varying densities and systems.

Key information around each block's establishment and progress, both physical and financial, is then collated and studied with the goal of identifying the best practice and techniques for New Zealand.

A section of Pipfruit NZ’s website is dedicated to the project, providing growers with a library and searchable database, allowing them to track and compare blocks of interest.

Blocks are photographed twice a year, giving growers a great visual reference to their progress, and TRV/TCA measurements are taken annually to accurately track tree growth. An annual block profit analysis tracks each block’s production, costs and profitability.

Field days also offer growers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the orchards and blocks being studied, and pick up the latest wisdom from AgFirst’s experienced horticultural consultants.

This ambitious project aims to change the focus from assumptions based on conceptual data to facts based on actual orchard achievements, helping New Zealand pipfruit growers to make the best possible development decisions for their businesses.

• Ross Wilson
• John Wilton
• Steve Spark
• Craig Hornblow