New Zealand. Apple production expected to reach a record level of 593,000 metric tons
21.05.2020 18:14 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Following are selected highlights from a report issued by a U. S. Department of Agriculture attache in Wellington (New Zealand), despite some minor challenges and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, deciduous fruit production in New Zealand is forecast to expand in 2019/2020, with apple production expected to reach a record level of 593,000 metric tons, 2.8 percent greater than 2018/2019, but just under one percent less than the previous estimate. For 2019/2020, the apple harvested area is forecast at 10,180 hectares (ha), a 3.5 percent increase over 2018/2019. Although there has been a strong trend in recent years for area increases, the Covid-19outbreak and responses to it are likely to severely limit new plantings in CY2020. Total apple production for 2018/2019 is now estimated at 576,850 MT, just 1,350 MT (0.2 percent) greater than 2017/2018. Apple exports for 2019/2020 are forecast at a record 400,000 MT, which represents a 2.3 percent increase over 2018/2019, but slightly below the previous estimate. While the increase in apple production should boost exports, there are expected to be some disruptions caused by the Covid-19pandemic. Apple exports 2018/2019 reached 390,942 MT, which was a 5.8 percent increase on 2017/2018. This was a strong export season considering production was largely the same as the previous year and was driven by a greater proportion of the total apple production being export-quality.This season the volume of apples to be processed is expected to rise to 119,400 MT, 5.7 percent above 2018/2019. This is rise is due to the larger crop, as well as expectations for a reduced proportion of the crop being export-quality. Domestic consumption of apples is expected to be up slightly at 74,000 MT for 2019/2020, only 0.6 percent greater than 2018/19. For 2019/2020, FAS/Wellington is forecasting total pear production at 13,150 MT, which is 4.5 percent greater than 2018/2019. A good growing season is the prime reason for the increase on 2018/2019. Pear exports are forecast at 4,000 MT for 2019/2020, unchanged from 2018/2019. Pear production for 2018/19 is now estimated at 12,585 MT, nine percent less than 2017/2018. Actual pear exports for 2018/19 were 3,934 MT, 18 percent less than 2017/2018.
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