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Blackcurrants production in New Zealand in 2006 and forecast of season 2006/07
New Zealand
Thursday 10 May 2007
The national crop for blackcurrants was in 2006 season 10 000 tons, down on a forecast crop of 11 000 tons. Botrytis fungus disease during the bloom period and hail in early January caused crop losses in the order of 500 to 1000 tons. In addition, uncertain market prospects led to 500 tons of fruit not being harvested. This fruit tended to be either late-harvested varieties or varieties with less desirable characteristics, which did not meet specific market requirements. However, there were low weather-related losses, and newer blocks yielded better than expected.
The harvest in 2007 may finally reach 12 000 tons. It is likely that the crop will vary in volume between 10 000 and 12 000 tons, depending on seasonal factors. Typical blackcurrant yields were around 7.2 tons per hectare in 2005/06.
Blueberry yields were up this season for both individual growers and the whole industry. There were few adverse climatic events, and production increased from plantings of new, better performing varieties. As a result, total blueberry industry volumes increased more than 50 percent on the previous season.
The harvest in 2007 may finally reach 12 000 tons. It is likely that the crop will vary in volume between 10 000 and 12 000 tons, depending on seasonal factors. Typical blackcurrant yields were around 7.2 tons per hectare in 2005/06.
Blueberry yields were up this season for both individual growers and the whole industry. There were few adverse climatic events, and production increased from plantings of new, better performing varieties. As a result, total blueberry industry volumes increased more than 50 percent on the previous season.
