Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers face a loss of more than $5 million after spring frosts decimated their crops.
The unseasonal frosts caught out growers who had not experienced similar conditions for 20 years.
Tony Hawkens, general manager of kiwifruit packager EastPack, said while there was no official figure on frost
fallout, he believed it could cost Whakatane growers about $5 million in lost profits.
"It's tough for those who will not have a crop for 2003 because of frost damage," he said.
"It means they will have to wait until 2004 to get any income.
"There are very few growers who haven't had some damage. They were the most significant frosts we've had in the district."
Nationally, hundreds of claims have been lodged with Zespri International from growers hit by the frosts.
However, Zespri communications manager Sandy Hodge said orchardists' insurance would not be paid out until November next year, when the full extent of the damage to the buds and flowers had been assessed.
- NZPA
