EXPENSIVE’ OUTLAY

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32764, 15 November 1971, Page 20

EXPENSIVE’ OUTLAY

Cautious note on new crop ! “I just cannot see any; grounds for the optimism; prevailing in Canterburyi over the potential for black-1 currants,” says Mr P. J.; Hawley, president of the; New Zealand Berryfruit; .Growers’ Federation, com-! menting on reports of large-; scale plantings in areas round ! ; Christchurch.

He suggests that fanners i wishing to diversify are overrating the cost reductions likely to be achieved from mechanical harvesting and the prospects of an increased demand from the newly- I established Wattie factory. “My federation has been checking the potential overseas market for blackcurrants for some time and there is! absolutely nothing which suggests that there will be [processing or overseas demands for blackcurrants to match the acreage being ! planted in Canterbury. This ; seems to be another example |of stimulating production without adequate market re|search. “Blackcurrants are a longterm crop and costly to establish,” said Mr Hawley. “I urge any grower to be sure he holds firm, long-term contracts before becoming involved in this type of ex-! ; penditure.”

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