A government-backed, industry-led seven year research programme has been launched, which will help achieve the apple industry’s goal to be the global exemplar of sustainable production practices.

The $14.77 million project, the largest the industry has embarked on, is being led by industry organisation New Zealand Apples and Pears Inc (NZAPI) and co-funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) to the tune of $7.44 million, with the balance being funded by industry.

Programme lead, Dr Rachel Kilmister, says the industry’s vision of becoming spray-free by 2050 is a vital part in its goal.

“New Zealand is already well placed globally and respected as the producer of the best apples in the world. The outcomes of this project will be a unique global selling proposition for New Zealand apples to the consumer as the safest, sustainable apples with enhanced environmental outcomes produced with no chemicals.

“To achieve this, the project will create innovative solutions to reduce and eliminate agrichemical use and sprays that will also  reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. We must respond to the growing demand by export markets for more sustainable production,” says Kilmister.

The programme aims to reduce pesticide application by 50% by 2030 through the use of targeted and smart technology such as remote sensing for detecting pests and diseases in real time enabling early intervention without spraying. Lure and dispenser based technologies that prevent pests from entering the orchard will be developed.

“New apple varieties created by Prevar are already being bred to be pest and disease resistant and will be critical for achieving the spray-free target,” adds Kilmister.

“Achieving a spray free status by 2050 would also result in a reduction of industry greenhouse gas emissions by 35%.”

NZAPI CEO, Terry Meikle, estimates the R+D programme will protect $1.1 billion of forecast revenue over the eight years from 2023 to 2030, by protecting existing high-value market share and targeted future growth.

“Economic returns to New Zealand will be realised through continued growth in export volume and value reaching $2 billion by the same year,” says Meikle. “This is a much-needed boost for our industry and needed to enable the industry to move forward. It is a significant project with full support from government and industry.”