Healthy peach trees to die

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 26

Healthy peach trees to die

PA Hastings Many healthy golden queen peach trees will be removed from Hawkes Bay orchards after next month’s" harvest to overcome a glut of peaches.

Each tree removed will earn growers a $6 subsidy from Wattie Canneries. Ltd. except on trees aged more than 20 years.

The president of the Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association. Mr Keith Spaceman, himself a golden queen peach grower, said growers accepted that there had to be reductions.

The glut arose from intensive plantings during the latter part of the 1970 s and in the last few years.

The managing director oi the cannery. Mr Ray Wattie, said the plantings Were a natural response by growers during a time of shortage. He said the intake of peaches was expected jo increase from 9750 tonnes this season to 10.825 tonnes in 1986. Watties intends by 1986 to have stocks at a’ norma) level which would require a 35 per cent reduction in the amount of fruit processed. Watties has given a lead to growers by pulling out 5000 producing trees in Hastings and Gisborne. Mr Wattie said the industry would be re-established as a strong viable concern after the trees had been removed.