Sector Overview
Unlike previous Horticulture Monitoring Reports, this report does not include the pipfruit industry model and report. This was published as a separate report in March 2003.
The first full census conducted for horticultural crops since 1994 was carried out in 2002. Figures confirm the significant shifts in land use which have occurred in the period. There are now 110,000 ha of land in horticulture production.
The most significant changes have occurred in vineyards, which have increased from around 7,500 ha in 1994 to nearly 17,500 ha in 2002. Apples are down from nearly 16,000 ha in 1994 to 12,500 ha in 2002. The area in avocados has more than doubled to 3,100 ha in the same period. Olives have increased from 1,200 ha in 2000 (the first year statistics were collected) to 2,000 ha in 2002. The kiwifruit area has only increased from 11,800 ha to 12,200 ha. Oranges have decreased by 150 ha and mandarins have increased by nearly 250 ha.
The most significant change in summerfruit has been in cherries which have nearly doubled in this period.
In vegetables, squash, potatoes and onion areas have not changed significantly since 1994.
Horticultural exports have grown very significantly over the 8-year period. In 1994 just under $1.1 billion of horticultural product was exported, and this has risen to $2.1 billion in the year ended June 2002. The main earners are kiwifruit ($618 million), pipfruit ($42 million), processed vegetables ($260 million), wine ($249 million), other fresh fruit ($109 million), processed fruit ($84 million), fresh vegetables ($22 million), and flowers ($48 million).
Seasonal conditions have once again had significant impacts on the various sectors, frost being the major contributor. Estimated wine grape production, after a record year last year of nearly 120,000 tonnes, has dropped by 40% this season due to frosts. Summerfruit production has also been significantly reduced by spring frosts. However, unlike other years, favourable harvest conditions and well above average prices have been a welcome change. Although there was some frost damage in berryfruit, yields were generally up 10% in 2001/02 due to favourable weather at flowering and over harvest. This has reflected through on gross margin increases in all berryfruit this season.
Kiwifruit growers had a good year in 2002/03 with the model orchard producing a net trading profit of over $62,000. The forecast for 2003/04 is $64,000. Growers are generally positive and, while considering their current returns are at a high point, are confident that the industry will be sound and profitable. It is expected there will be a continued increase in production of both the gold and green varieties. ZESPRI gold now makes up 14% of total production.
The honey crop for 2002/03 was the best on record and in real contrast to the record low crop harvested in 2001/02. The 2002/03 crop was 50% up on the 6-year average. Prices for honey have remained firm and are currently at an all time high despite record production. Varroa continues to have a major influence on North Island beekeepers both in cost and time.
Biosecurity issues have again been expressed by most sectors and, while supporting the increased resources for this, they are concerned about the increasing number of incursions. For a number of sectors the absence of a level III quarantine facility is seen as a major limitation for New Zealand accessing the new and improved cultivars to maintain market competitiveness and quality.
Contact for Enquiries
Farm Monitoring Programme Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation
MAF Policy
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0623
Fax: +64 4 894 0741
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