Good results for organic fruit growers

Despite higher than expected fruit losses this year, organic kiwifruit growers are celebrating excellent returns, an industry leader said today.

Doug Voss, chair of Organic Aotearoa (NZ) said the healthy payout increases highlighted the potential and profitability of organic production.

"Organic kiwifruit is keeping well with forecast losses of only 2.5 per cent compared to 9-12 per cent for fruit produced traditionally," said Mr Voss.

"Zespri green organic kiwifruit is forecast to bring higher returns, up $1.04 to $8.92 per tray compared to standard zespri green up $0.82 to $7.01.

"Productive hectares are also higher, with organic kiwifruit showing the biggest percentage increase at 8 per cent and returning approximately $32,324 per hectare versus $27,153 for non organic green kiwifruit," he said.