Field Notes Q1 2025

Core to our work is Smart & Sustainable, an invaluable programme of work that is co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Apples and Pears. Smart & Sustainable aims to maintain and strengthen comparative and competitive advantages for pipfruit growers.

It is solution-focused, and value driven, with the goal of finding long-term solutions to potential market access barriers before they occur.

Innovative and long-lasting results that are good for plant, people and planet, are critical to the industry’s social licence as well as our goal of reaching $2B in exports by 2035.

However, without grower support and involvement, the programme cannot deliver optimum results. Engagement from NZAPI membership is critical.

Which brings us to R&D Field Notes. Smart & Sustainable is now three years in, and we want to ensure you know what we are working on, how it is progressing and how you can get involved.

Enjoy this quarter’s edition, and please do let us know what you think.

Dr Rachel Kilmister
R&D Programme Manager

Research Consultative Group (RCG) update:

Meetings were held on 19 December 2024 and 30 January 2025. During these meetings, the committee: 

• Reviewed post-harvest research proposals.
• Set up working groups with industry representatives to flesh out postharvest projects and ensure a commercial outcome focus. 
• Reviewed and refined 2025-2026 R&D budget
• Welcomed RCG Associates – Sammy Sinclair (T&G) and Chris Fitzgerald (Venture Fruit) – to the group. 

A big thank you to all involved:

More than 50 orchard blocks have supported this round of research projects, and we couldn't have done it without them. So in Q1, we'd like to thank: 

AB Wood, Bostock, Burnside Fruit, CAJ, Cederman Bros, Compass Fruit, Craigmore, Darlings Fruit, Echodale, Fairfield Orchards, Fairview Orchard, Farmright, Freshco, Glenmore Orchard, Hartley's Orchard, Hoddy's Fruit Co. Ltd, Johnny Appleseed, Kiwicrunch, Longzana, Moana Orchards, Mr Apple, Ngai Tukairangi, R S Grow Ltd, Rockit, Rod Fry Ltd, South Pacific Growers, T&G, Taylorcorp, The Pines, Thomas Bros, VK Orchards, Vaila Orchard, Vailima Orchard, Wai-West Horticulture, Willisbrook Orchard.