ONZ EO Gayle Sheridan has provided an overview of the NZ harvest to date:
“Anthracnose continues to be reported across the country. This is such a shame as, with a rigorous proactive spraying regime, this could have been prevented. Unlike the frosts which are also causing concern. However some growers have been able to borrow or hire the tow and blow fans and have credited these with saving their crops.
“There has been feedback that some people are harvesting too early this season, resulting in a poor yield and very pungent oils. If other growers can get yields of more than 15% why would you accept 10% (or less)? This has a huge impact on financial return and cost per litre.
“There is a spreadsheet available on the Olives NZ website, developed by Plant and Food Research, to help determine when to harvest by looking at the moisture content of the olives. Access it here.
We’ll bring you a comprehensive round-up of the NZ harvest in the September edition of Olivegrower & Processor.
