Subtropicals
This report provides commentary on the subtropical crops of avocado, citrus, persimmon, feijoa, tamarillo and passionfruit. These crops are grown in the warmer parts of New Zealand, particularly Gisborne, coastal Bay of Plenty, the greater Auckland area and Northland. Some background information on the scale and characteristics of the crops is provided because this report is new.
Key Points
- Most sectors were affected by the cool 2002 spring, with reduced fruit set for avocados and delayed harvest for persimmons, tamarillos and passionfruit.
- Significant plantings of avocados have continued, but recent growth in production has been below industry projections due to successive cool springs.
- The varieties of citrus grown are changing, with more lemons and mandarins grown, targeting export sales, but fewer oranges and tangelos.
- The area of persimmons is static. The area in tamarillos and passionfruit is similar to 1994 but these crops have significant turnover in growers and sites due to their short life span.
- The demand for feijoas for processing and for certified organic feijoas is strong, which is encouraging new plantings.
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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