Commercial director Tom Lane from Miniature apple grower Rockit has stated that the company is aiming to expand to the South Island. The company in effect wants sheep, beef and dairy farmers to plant apple orchards, and some have already signed up. Rockit growers were concentrated on the upper east coast, leaving the company exposed to weather events in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. Parts of the South Island had stable weather conditions and good water supply. Rockit expected to export more than 76 million apples this year, with a forecast of up to 160 million apples in 2023.

Source: Stuff October 31, 2022 13:13 UTC