Big losses from recent storms have some fruit and vegetable growers worried the weather disasters will drive people out of the industry. Horticulture NZ said today’s food price index spike was no surprise because repeatedly “atrocious weather” had hit vegetable supplies.

Hawke’s Bay orchards were pummelled by cyclone Gabrielle with photos emerging today of apples floating in floodwater after being blown off trees. The latest deluge came after relentless rain over the last month causing major issues for farmers and growers in the region.

Stats NZ data released today showed food prices were 10.3 per cent higher in January 2023 than a year earlier, with fruit and vegetables prices rising 15.7 per cent from last January. Some growers are questioning whether they will be able to stay in the industry. This is a risk to New Zealanders’ food security, and health and wellbeing, as well as to regional economies.

United Fresh is a non-profit organisation which represents the produce industry, including seed producers, growers, packers, wholesalers, marketers and importer/exporters. Its president Jerry Prendergast said the range of challenges facing growers meant consumers should be prepared for "continued disruption to fresh produce pricing and availability".

“Cyclone conditions in the North Island are delivering more rain to growers already struggling with washed-out crops. Some of our Pukekohe growers were reporting losses of up to 30% from January’s adverse weather. Every flood event can equate to weeks of lost production as well as disruption to key logistics such as transport and seasonal work like kiwifruit thinning."

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com