A world-leading programme to deliver apples to market with no detectable residue is starting in Hawke's Bay.
Eco Apple Production was announced today by Trade Minister Phil Goff at the Pipfruit NZ conference, at the Hawke's Bay Opera House.
Pipfruit NZ and the regional Economic Development Agencies (EDA), Hawke's Bay Incorporated, Nelson EDA, and Otago Forward have entered into partnership to introduce the practice to New Zealand orchards.
Pipfruit NZ chief executive Peter Beaven said it would maintain Kiwi producers' place at the head of low-input, high-quality technology.
"This programme development is in direct response to trends signalled by international consumers, and aims to make New Zealand apples and pears the preferred choice of buyers worldwide," he said.
While most other countries still used "spray and pray" programmes involving harmful insecticides, consumers wanted environmentally sustainable products.
The new project was part of an on-going process that started with the Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) systems developed by the New Zealand industry in the 1990s.
"We're a long way ahead and this is another huge step forward. That's the neat thing about it - it's actually market driven and will ensure our apples are the preferred choice to put on the shelves," Mr Beaven said.
The next step would be nil residue without actually going organic, something he believed was "absolutely possible" and would be another world first.
Pipfruit NZ predicted 90 per cent or more of apples and pears produced and exported would be integrated into the Eco Production system within three years.
The three regional agencies, who represented 98 per cent of pipfruit production between them, made history by jointly applying for Ministry of Trade and Enterprise funding over three years to introduce the programme to their regions.
"There's no precedent for what the EDAs are doing, it's great to see them co-operating."
Given that 60 per cent of total apple production came from the Bay and the region would be largely responsible for implementation, it made sense Hawke's Bay Incorporated CEO Tom Hamilton had been nominated to manage the project, he said.
A joint board from the three regions, Pipfruit NZ, and Trade and Enterprise, would oversee the project.
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