Export prices set to remain elevated
HORTICULTURAL PRICES are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
Recent guidance from kiwifruit marketer Zespri points to improving orchard gate returns across all varietals.
Export prices for apples should track higher as demand in key markets continues to outpace still-constrained supply out of New Zealand.
Westpac industry economist Paul Clark points out that strong demand will support export prices for kiwifruit over 2025
According to Zespri, strong demand in key markets in Asia, EU and US, increased production yields and quality improvements, and a supportive New Zealand dollar will support orchard gate returns over the coming year.
Clark notes that at this early stage of the season, Zespri guidance on orchard gate returns for 2025/26 has a lower end of the range that sits just under the 2024/25 forecast, while the upper end shows significant gains, irrespective of varietal.
“The big area of focus is likely to be on RubyRed Kiwifruit, which commands a higher return per tray than other varietals,” he says.
However, RubyRed vines are still relatively immature, so yields tend to be a bit lower than for other varietals.
Apple export prices should remain elevated on constrained supply, reflecting the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on output levels in the Hawke’s Bay – current levels are only around where they were in 2022, and are well-off pre-Covid levels.
“That is likely to remain the case with new plantings still to reach maturity,” says Clark.
“Average export prices continue to track higher, as demand in key Asian and European markets keeps ahead of production. Favourable growing conditions through spring and summer have reportedly resulted in high-quality fruit. With supply likely to remain constrained, we think prices will remain elevated.”
Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake says positive early season conditions have supported a strong start to this season’s harvest with a total crop of more than 205 million trays, or 738,000 tonnes, now expected.
FELCO 211 LOPPERS
“Our industry has packed more fruit at this time of the season than ever before and our first charter vessels have departed successfully, which is important as we look to get off to a fast start and return strong value back to our growers.
“Our initial guidance also anticipates improvements in our fruit size and foreign exchange positions this season, with downside risks considered including provision for quality costs should fruit quality deteriorate, softer market conditions and reduced trade stemming from ongoing global geopolitical uncertainty.
“The feedback we’ve received from customers across Europe, China and
North America over recent weeks is that there’s strong demand for Zespri Kiwifruit, and our teams are looking forward to selling this season’s fruit as more arrives in market in the coming weeks.”
The Zespri board has approved the commercial production of 170 hectares of RubyRed Kiwifruit in Italy over the next two years, supporting efforts to continue to strengthen the Zespri brand through the availability of a red variety in Europe as part of Zespri’s 12-month supply strategy.
“It’s an exciting time for Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit, with nearly all of our 3 million trays of New Zealand-grown fruit now packed, with its berry-like
taste available in a number of new markets this season, including the US,” says Te Brake.
“Growing RubyRed Kiwifruit in Italy will support efforts to deliver on Zespri’s 12 month supply strategy, help us build our brand and maintain shelf space and retail partnerships to support New Zealand grower returns, particularly given the increasingly competitive red category.”
The commercialisation of RubyRed Kiwifruit in Italy is covered by Zespri’s existing approval to plant up to 1,000ha of new variety offshore as approved by growers via producer vote in 2019. This is the first time Zespri has used this allocation.
Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
Zespri’s kiwifruit shipment to China being unloaded in Shanghai last month.
Mr Apple’s doing great!
He says some companies didn’t do this and are struggling for a variety of reasons.
THE CHAIR of NZ’s biggest grower, packer and exporter of apples says it’s been a bumper season.
Mike Peterson is the chair of Scales Corporation which owns Mr Apple along with several other operations within the horticulture sector.
Mr Apple has 1,250 hectares of apples in Hawke’s Bay, their only growing region.
Peterson says immediately after Cyclone Gabrielle, his company took action to get back up and running which is why things are so good today.
Peterson says capital is precious right now in Hawke’s Bay and he feels for some of the smaller orchardists who are having hard times two years on from the cyclone.
“We are going well and continuing to invest in premium products. We understand exactly what we need to do to grow with our varieties; it is really a solid growing platform. We haven’t gone down the fully automated track, but we’re sort of in the band of fast followers
RELIABLE IRRIGATION
HORTICULTURE NEW
Zealand
(HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
It says the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains will be great news for growers.
The council is now entering a full feasibility phase for a medium sized 27 million cubic-metre water storage facility at Whanawhana, aimed at supporting the region’s people, businesses and environment.
The Heretaunga Plains, home to most of the region’s population, includes Napier and Hastings. The area is a key hub for horticulture, boasting world-class soils and a climate that supports a diverse range of crops.
Horticultural crops grown on the Heretaunga Plains are critical to both
but not leading the pack,” he says Peterson says Mr Apple is introducing technology where it’s needed and says it’s about being smart in business and having a good balance sheet. So far, he says it’s been a cracker of a season and things are looking good.
“This season is one out of the bag, but I have learned over the years you never to jinx the crop. We could get a hailstorm tomorrow and the whole thing is gone. So, fingers crossed for this year’s harvest,” he says.
CRUCIAL TO HORT SECTOR
merfruit, green beans, sweet corn, squash, onions, kiwifruit, berries, potatoes, citrus, and leafy greens.
is valued at over $1 billion in revenue, with around 65% of production based in Hawke’s Bay.
the announcement is welcome news for growers and households alike, as access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
“The Heretaunga Plains is one of New Zealand’s most important foodproducing regions.
“Its soils and climate enable a high degree of crop diversity, but a secure and sustainable water supply is crucial to maintaining this productivity,” says Sands.
“HortNZ acknowledges that the underlying aquifer, which supplies much of the water for horticulture, must be carefully managed to protect the health of spring-fed rivers and streams.
“The council’s recognition of the need for a secure freshwater supply for growers is a significant step forward. The new water storage facility will help safeguard the industry’s
nomic growth and job creation in the region.”
The Whanawhana water storage project presents an opportunity to harvest water when it is abundant and use it to replenish rivers and the aquifer. This will allow growers to access water when they need it while improving the overall health of rivers and streams.
“Growers look forward to working collaboratively on this project alongside iwi, mana whenua, and community representatives,” says Sands.
Horticultural crops grown on the Heretaunga Plains are critical to both export and domestic markets.
Key crops include pipfruit, summerfruit, green beans, sweet corn, squash, onions, kiwifruit, berries, potatoes, citrus, and leafy greens.
The plains are particularly vital to New Zealand’s apple industry, which is valued at over $1 billion in revenue,
Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
Michelle Sands, HortNZ’s general manager for strategy and policy.
Mr Apple has 1250 hectares of apples in Hawke’s Bay.
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GEAR UP THIS SEASON with
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Ultraviolet table grape trial
SUSTAINABLY MANAG-
ING powdery mildew on grape vines has taken another step forward, with Hawke’s Bay company Greencollar NZ collaborating with Agri Automation to trial an ultraviolet light prototype unit on its table grape vineyard.
Powdery mildew, which studies indicate is becoming increasingly resistant to chemical weapons, is one of the most vexing problems for grape growers. The fungal pathogen attacks grape vines, growing on young, green tissue, including leaves, shoots and, critically, the developing grape berries. Untreated, it can stunt berry development and cause skin discolouring.
While promising UV-C technology trials are well underway in the wine grape industry across New Zealand and Australia, applying the innovation to table grapes is a first. Treating table grapes adds critical complexity given the potential for the UV to give the berries ‘sunburn’. Unlike wine grapes, where minor imperfections can be acceptable, table grapes must be perfect to meet
market expectations. This makes the precision and timing of disease control crucial.
At Greencollar NZ, taking up the challenge to find a sustainable solution for this problem aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable innovation. Its other sustainable initiatives include using New Zealand wool for packaging
and EV carts for vineyard work.
“This trial represents a significant step in our journey toward more sustainable farming practices,” says Greencollar chief executive Shin Koizumi.
“We’re constantly seeking solutions that can reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining the premium quality our markets demand. UV-C technology could be
transformative for table grape production.”
Agri Automation is a precision agricultural and robotics company focused on developing innovative technology for farmers and orchardists. It has UV-C unit trials running on wine grapes in Marlborough, and is now turning its attention to other applications – in this instance, table grapes.
While the wine grape trials are using automated
units, with table grapes “we’re not there yet”, says Agri Automation managing director Chris Clifford.
“While technically it is the same fruit, the precision we need for table grapes is much greater. The trial rig we use at Greencollar will help us gather the data that we need for proof of concept to move onto the next iteration – automation.”
The Greencollar trial uses a manual proto-
type - quite a commitment by the company as it requires the team to move it around the vines at night, when research shows the fungi are most vulnerable to UV-induced DNA damage.
“The biggest challenge with UV-C technology is the night-time application requirement,” says Mr Clifford. “Long-term, that’s not cost effective or practical for an operation of any size if you’re rely-
ing on manual operation. Our goal is to make this technology practically feasible through automation.”
For Greencollar, the benefits extend beyond disease control. The trial aligns perfectly with its sustainability initiatives by offering:
• Significant reduction in chemical applications
• Ability to treat during adverse weather conditions
• Reduced environmental impact
• Potential for extended treatment windows closer to harvest with no withholding period
As the trial progresses, Greencollar is carefully monitoring disease control efficacy and aesthetic impacts on the fruit. The goal is to develop application protocols that maintain their high visual standards while delivering effective disease control.
“This technology represents the kind of innovation we need in modern agriculture,” says Koizumi.
“It’s about finding solutions that work for both business and the environment.”
EATING MORE FRUIT, VEG ‘HELPS THE ECONOMY’
A NEW international study serves as a stark warning for New Zealanders: our health and wellbeing are in our hands, and increasing our intake of fruit and vegetables is a key step to reducing the pressure on our healthcare system.
The new study of 45,000 people aged 50+ from 26 different European countries has confirmed a direct link exists between the amount of fresh produce we regularly consume and our chances of being admitted to hospital. Fewer and shorter hospital stays also reduce governments’ healthcare expenditure, possibly by billions.
The study, led by Brunel University of London, investigated the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and hospitalisation rates in older people as well as their use of primary care health services.
Participants were asked to indicate how often they consume fruit or vegetables, selecting from daily, 3 to 6 times a week, twice a week, once a week, or less than once a week. The study found that people who regularly consumed fresh produce reduced their hospitalisation risk, recording fewer hospitalisations and shorter
hospital stays.
The research also revealed that people who eat more fruit and vegetables not only tend to avoid the hospital more often, but also seek help earlier from GPs, and may also engage in other healthy behaviours like regular exercise – often leading to better health outcomes.
“This study serves as a wake-up call for all New Zealanders,” says Dr Carolyn Lister, principal scientist & science team leader – food & health information and trustee for 5+ A Day
Charitable Trust.
“We need to prioritise our health now to prevent larger challenges down the road, especially as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age and obesity rates climb among younger New Zealanders.”
According to the most recent Stats NZ projections, our population is aging quickly. By 2028, approximately 1 million people will be over the age of 65, but this could double to 2.2 million in the next 50 years, making up 30% of the population. With the
health system already stretched to its limits, the need for preventative measures, like eating more fruit and vegetables, has never been more critical.
The study’s researchers also pointed to a 2019 American study that found increasing fruit and vegetable consumption would prevent approximately 1.93 million cardiovascular disease events, and save US$39.7 billion (NZ$69.2 billion) in healthcare costs.
The benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables are not just seen in the research; here at home, the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust has been tackling the challenge from an early age. The Trust supports the successful Fruit in Schools (FIS) programme, which has been providing free fruit to over 126,000 primary school students across New Zealand for 20 years. This initiative helps kids develop healthy eating habits and improves their learning and concentration in the classroom.
“Eating fresh fruit and vegetables isn’t just about the long-term benefits,” says Lister. “The health, educational, and social benefits for children are immediate, too. We’re equipping the next generation to make better
food choices, which will help them lead healthier lives in the future and less pressure on our health system,” says Lister.
But the situation in New Zealand remains concerning: only one in four Kiwis currently eat the recommended five or more servings of vegetables daily. The message is clear, New Zealanders need to increase their consumption of fruit and vegetables to protect their health and reduce strain on the health system.
“There’s a huge opportunity here to make a real difference,” says Lister. “Each fruit and vegetable offers a unique combination of nutrients and phytochemicals that are essential for our health.
Studies show the most consistent decrease in disease risk is observed when people increase the diversity of the vegetables they eat.”
As New Zealand’s health system faces increasing pressure, taking charge of our health now, with simple changes like increasing our intake of fresh produce, could lead to substantial long-term benefits for both individuals and the wider healthcare system.
UV-C light in action, working on managing powdery mildew naturally.
A new global study of people aged 50+ says regularly eating fresh produce leads to fewer and shorter hospital stays.
Maori-owned orchards bounce back from cyclone damage
A LARGE Māori-owned kiwifruit business that was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle has bounced back with a vengeance.
The Ngai Tukairangi Trust has 65ha of kiwifruit across five orchards near Hastings along with 26ha near Gisborne as well as a 55ha orchard in the Bay of Plenty and another large one at Kerikeri in Northland.
But it was one of their orchards at Puketapu near Hastings that was devastated by Gabrielle. The orchards were under water, infrastructure damaged along with a massive loss of fruit and, of course, income for the Tauranga-based trust.
Two years on, the chair of the trust Ratahi Cross says all the damage has been repaired and new vines planted, although these will not be producing fruit for several years. Despite this massive setback – especially the cost of repairs – the remaining and undamaged kiwifruit blocks have produced a bumper crop.
“This season’s crop is unbelievably good. We are predicting over 1.7 million trays to be produced this year even without those damaged orchards producing, which is equivalent to the year before we had Cyclone Gabrielle. It’s simply amazing,” he told Hort News
“We
are predicting over 1.7 million trays to be produced this year even without those damaged orchards producing, which is equivalent to the year before we had Cyclone Gabrielle.”
Another major success for Ngai Tukairangi, says Cross, is the fact that their kiwifruit, a mix of Gold and Organic Gold, in both Gisborne and Hastings, was the first to be picked in NZ.
Cross attributes the success in getting the orchards up and running to the excellent staff
they employ. He says they took the bit between their teeth and “realised that we needed to recovery these orchards as quickly as possible”.
“The staff pointed out that not only do they rely on the orchards for their own livelihood, they also wanted to recognise the work our trust board did
for them by helping them deal with the damage Gabrielle did to their own properties,” he says.
The fruit in Ngai Tukairangi’s orchards in the Bay of Plenty is now also being picked as well and Cross says the economic impact of this bumper crop will be huge for the trust and NZ. Besides kiwifruit, Ngai Tukairangi also has extensive apple orchards in the Hawke’s Bay and by and large there were not badly damaged by the cyclone.
The result, says Cross, is a phenomenal crop this season.
Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
Ngai Tukairangi Trust chair Ratahi Cross
Cyclone Gabrielle devastated orchards at Puketapu near Hastings.
HortNZ course gives confidence to lead
HORTICULTURE NEW
Zealand (HortNZ) Leadership scholar Taurion Colquhoun says the lessons from the programme have been “eye opening” for him and he’s already putting them into action.
“I was inspired by the course,” says Taurion, the growing supervisor for strawberries for Kaipaki Berries in Ohaupo, Waikato.
“It motivated me to get better and do better for the business. You get great content out of it that you can take that back to your workplace.”
Taurion says the importance of values was one of the many lessons that resonated with him.
“I came back and introduced the idea of developing company values and the response was positive. We are in the process of doing that now.
“Also, the importance of reflection, because it really helps you to digest the information you need to. Since the course, I have been reflecting at the beginning and end of every week and I find that really helpful.
NURTURING
TAURION COLQUHOUN also sees gaining the ability to identify and develop talent as an important aspect of the programme.
“I think that is really crucial –both through HortNZ identifying and nurturing talent through the programme and through people who have participated in it going on to identify, secure, encourage and retain talented people for the sector themselves.”
He says talent acquisition is currently the major challenge facing the industry.
“It is important to create pathways like this to provide opportunities for horticulturalists.
“As it stands now, we are not attracting the talent that we could. There is a lot of potential in the industry but people don’t know about it.
“We live in a volatile complex world and the industry needs adaptable and resilient leaders to step into and step up in the industry. That will enable us to
TALENT
respond to crisis, like flooding or climate change, make rapid change and deal with the stress that comes with that.
“A lot of people in the sector are working in businesses they have built over decades.
“They have accumulated vast knowledge and I have found people very willing to pass that knowledge on.
“I have benefitted from a lot of mentoring and been given opportunities and responsibility. There is a willingness to take a step back and let the younger generation lead.”
Taurion says his focus now is on building his reputation as a strawberry grower and developing networks to encourage fellow berry growers to collaborate on issues and opportunities in the market.
“I want to have a successful career in this industry and be able to look back on it and be proud of what I have achieved.”
“I applied for the programme because I was at a point where I had gained skills and done well on the job but I felt I needed a push to improve my social skills and jump start my leadership skills. I wanted to learn how others lead in the sector and to learn from them about the experiences and processes they went through.
“Trust building was another aspect. That is so important. From building trust with suppliers and customers to collaboration with others in the industry.
“If we want to help the sector, we need to work together and trust one another.”
Taurion and his fellow cohort undertook the programme in two phases over nine weeks between
NETWORKING BENEFITS
TAURION COLQUHOUN says the networking aspect was of huge importance.
“Especially for people like me who don’t meet a lot of people in the industry outside of strawberry growing. I really appreciated being able to network with others, such as potato growers and pip fruit growers and learn about some of their processes, from health and safety to pest control and labour.
“The programme content was good. I enjoyed the delivery in terms of the fact we have horticulture and we have leadership but looking at that in terms of how they intertwine.
“There was some eye opening content that exposed me to aspects of the industry I had not thought about before, such as the governance side. I enjoyed learning about that and its importance to the sector.
“I found it inspirational and helpful hearing from guest speakers about their experiences in the industry, from management through crisis such as the Hawke’s Bay floods or around supply chain issues. The theory around leadership also put a lot of things into perspective for me.
“The speakers really engaged with us. You could tell they were interested in what we had to say and in answering our questions.”
leadership and business skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving and a wider perspective around how to address industry issues now and into the future.
Participants work to develop a personal plan for how they intend to go forward in their leadership career.
Taurion grew up in Hawke’s Bay and was introduced to a career in horticulture through holiday work while studying for a Bachelor of Management Studies at the University of Waikato.
August and October. This included five days in Auckland in August and a further three days in Wellington during October.
The programme focuses on building an increased confidence to take the lead and influence into the future and a greater understanding of what leadership is really all about.
It supports development of ‘ready to use’
“It started in 2019 with general kiwifruit work during the summer break. I found I really enjoyed the work and environment. Then in 2021, during another university break, I took the opportunity to pick berries and really enjoyed that too.
“I have worked my way up from picker to harvest supervisor, dispatch supervisor and now growing supervisor. I have found there are so many opportunities in the
industry and I have seized them with both hands.”
He says that, as someone who is naturally an introvert, the programme offered the opportunity to develop his social skills through networking with like-minded peers.
“I applied for the programme because I was at a point where I had gained skills and done well on the job but I felt I needed a push to improve my social skills and jump start my leadership skills. I wanted to learn how others lead in the sector and to learn from them about the experiences and processes they went through.
“It was a mixed aged cohort, and at 23, I was on the younger side so I was very grateful for the opportunity. I have only been in the sector for three or four years and it has been a great opportunity for me to selfdevelop and expand my horizons. Being selected also gave me confidence and has been a big motivating factor for me this season.”
Taurion Colquhoun says the lessons from the programme have been “eye opening” for him.
Positive first year for ZAG
AS IT enters its second year, Zespri says the first year of the Zespri Innovation Fund (ZAG), has been “really positive”.
Bryan Parkes, Zespri’s head of innovation acceleration, says that since the launch of ZAG in 2023, the fund has established itself as a driver of innovation and sustainability in the kiwifruit industry.
“The first year was really positive – we received 124 applications from right across the globe and from there, 11 moved into pilot programmes,” Parkes told Rural News
He says those 11 pilots are aligned with ZAG’s four core priorities, which aim to create lasting impact across the kiwifruit ecosystem, with numerous promising projects that focus on
technology, resource efficiency, and improving environmental outcomes already showing positive results.
“It’s proved invaluable in connecting with innovative problem solvers both locally and globally to help address key challenges our industry faces
as we meet the growing demand for kiwifruit,” Parkes adds.
Earlier this month, Zespri announced its intention to reaffirm its US$2 million investment to the fund, a pledge Parkes says comes out of Zespri’s commitment to fostering a sustainable
future for the industry.
“We cannot address the challenges our industry faces alone,” he says.
“ZAG will enable us to accelerate our impact by fostering true global collaboration, encouraging innovation, and facilitating strategic investment.”
Parkes says that in
the first year of the fund, Zespri has noted that there are several opportunities and innovations that went unexplored.
“We find the ZAG applicants see value in working with a larger commercial partner that can support them both technically and financially
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to explore the commercial value of their product or ideas, while not looking to take equity in their company,” he says.
“ZAG is providing a great ‘welcome mat’ for innovators around the world to engage with Zespri and the kiwifruit industry.”
In year two, the fund is getting refreshed, with an additional focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) related challenges like climate resilience.
“We are looking for projects or innovations that have at least explored the idea to an early prototype, or where an idea or innovation is working in another sector or crop and may have applicability to kiwifruit,” Parkes says.
The refresh is part of Zespri’s work with its partners to be carbon positive by 2035.
“The annual awards recognise top performance and commitment to customer success,” he says.
“As climate change intensifies the kiwifruit industry is facing increasing risks such as extreme weather, shifting growing conditions and pressure on natural resources.
“ESG initiatives help future-proof orchards by promoting sustainable land use, efficient resource management, and innovative farming techniques that safeguard long-term productivity.
“We are excited by the advancements we’ve seen as a result of the ZAG Fund pilots to date and look forward to continuing to work with industry partners, research institutions, and local communities to achieve even greater milestones in sustainable agricultural practices,” he concludes.
Jessica Marshall jessica@ruralnews.co.nz
Zespri says its innovation fund has become a driver of innovation and sustainability in the kiwifruit industry.
Deal to clear the air, reduce worker deaths
AIR QUALITY is a major safety issue for New Zealand, with approximately 650 deaths per year caused by cancer attributable to airborne contaminants.
A new dealership agreement aims to combat these appalling statistics by making it easier for industries where airborne contaminants are a risk to install the advanced BMAir air filtration system in the cabs of worksite vehicles such as excavators, tractors, bulldozers and loaders.
“We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Repairs & Spares as the exclusive
nationwide dealer for BMAir systems in New Zealand,” says Alan Cottington, chief executive of Landlogic, which holds the New Zealand import and distribution licence from the Holland-based manufacturer of cab overpressure systems.
The strategic move is designed to ensure that advanced air filtration solutions reach more operators throughout New Zealand, offering all machinery drivers access to healthy air.
Cottington says New Zealand faces significant challenges regarding the control of exposure to airborne contaminants –such as quarrying dust, fumes, and agrichemical vapours, that are leading contributors to respira-
The advanced BMAir air filtration system in the cabs of worksite vehicles allows drivers access to healthy air.
tory diseases and cancers. Worksafe reports that nearly half of all workers in agriculture and construction are exposed to carcinogenic substances,
while airborne risks are estimated to account for approximately 400 deaths from cancer and 250 deaths from respiratory disease per year.
the partnership to become
nationwide dealer allows their busi-
ness to expand its portfolio and deliver a top-tier ventilation system to customers.
“Our trained technicians are equipped to install systems on a wide range of machinery, ensuring that operators in agriculture, construction, quarries and other high-risk industries have access to state-of-the-art filtration technology. Supported by Landlogic, we are committed to delivering comprehensive support for maintaining a healthier, safer work environment.”
Cottington says purchasers of new machines will also be able to specify units through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealer networks via an OEM program, to
ensure operators nationwide have access to the best levels of protection.
Existing customers who have purchased systems through other dealers will continue to receive full support from those dealers for replacement filters and parts, or to conduct annual checks and provide systems for new equipment.
Existing customers will also have the option to seek support from Repairs & Spares who, as the nationwide dealer, will be able to supply and install systems on existing machines of all brands, alongside supply full customer support for replacement parts, service, and inspections. www.tractorrepairs. co.nz
YAMAHA ACQUIRES AG AUTOMATION BUSINESS
NEW ZEALAND based company
Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd to form Yamaha Agriculture Inc – a new company focused on delivering autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital ‘solutions’ that help growers in the specialty crop market become more sustainable, profitable and resilient.
Robotics Plus currently develops automation solutions for agriculture, calling on expertise in robotics, automation, sensing and data analytics, leading to a proven record of delivering innovative technologies to global
markets.
Its latest development, Prospr, is a robust, autonomous, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle designed to perform a range of orchard and vineyard tasks. Built to tackle labour shortages and enhance efficiency, precision, sustainability and safety, the vehicle is capable of multiple activities including spraying and weed control, with complementary attachments such as mowing, currently in development. Other Robotics Plus’ innovations include the Āporo Fruit Packer, which automates fruit packing, and a robotic log scaler to automate log measurement for trucks and trains.
Since 2017, Yamaha Motor, the parent company of newly launched US-based Yamaha Agriculture has supported Robotics Plus with strategic investment to drive development of agricultural automation technologies and to expand its presence in the ag-tech sector.
Following the acquisition, the company will continue to operate its core business from its headquarters in Tauranga, retaining skilled jobs and IP development in New Zealand, delivered by a team of 130 employees, while benefiting from the support of Yamaha Agriculture globally.
Yamaha Agriculture will combine
Robotics Plus’ robotic solution Prospr with advanced data analytics to support producers of wine grapes, apples, and other specialty crops across North America, Australia, and New Zealand
Co-founder and CEO of Robotics Plus, Steve Saunders, says “Robotics Plus was founded on a vision to solve the agricultural industry’s biggest challenges around labour, productivity and sustainability.
Over the years, we have formed a strong partnership with Yamaha to empower large-scale growers, so innovations like Prospr, at the heart of Yamaha Agriculture’s global strategy, will enable a data-driven approach to
precision agriculture.”
Nolan Paul, Group CEO, Yamaha Agriculture, Inc said “Yamaha Agriculture recognises that the challenges facing specialty crop growers require solutions that will take time to develop. The capabilities of Robotics Plus in robotics and automation will be an important building block in addressing these challenges along with AI-powered data analytics. We are committed to an approach that prioritizes creating real value for growers while maintaining the standards of quality and reliability for which Yamaha Motors is known.” www.yamaha-agriculture.com
Kyle Farquhar, manager of Repairs & Spares New Zealand, says
BMAir’s
Mark Daniel markd@ruralnews.co.nz