From The Chair
They say never waste a crisis and recent events across the wider food and processing sector highlight why that matters. The closure of major processing facilities in both Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay has understandably raised questions about the long-term viability of domestic food production. While underinvestment and rising energy and input costs are often cited as immediate causes, the underlying issue is more structural – there is often insufficient margin to justify ongoing investment and deliver an acceptable return on capital.
The imbalance between returns achieved at the retail end of the supply chain and the margins available to growers and processors is becoming increasingly apparent. More broadly, this reflects a challenge across the domestic food system, where much of the risk and cost sits at the production level, while value is captured further down the chain.
As a result, there is growing pressure within government to address margin transparency and fairness. Horticulture New Zealand is actively advocating for greater disclosure and accountability. This issue was discussed at the recent Horticulture Industry Forum, alongside the constraints imposed by current Commerce Commission settings. It was clear that while consumer outcomes remain the Commission’s primary focus, supplier sustainability and the distribution of margins are receiving far less attention.
That said, raising these issues directly with the Commerce Commission and policymakers is an important step. Combined with increasing political scrutiny, there is an opportunity for change, and for sectors such as citrus to benefit from more balanced trading terms and a fairer sharing of risk and return.
Closer to home, there has been some volatility in Satsuma prices in recent weeks. With Northland fruit now largely finished and significant Gisborne volumes entering the market, increased supply has naturally put some pressure on returns. These dynamics highlight the ongoing importance of aligning supply, demand, and value across the season to support sustainable outcomes for growers.
Citrus NZ has been working on a number of projects over the past months. The cost of operating as a small product group continues to rise and many product groups are finding that working in isolation is neither efficient nor sustainable. Recognising this, the Board has been exploring options to share industry workload and delivery costs, while ensuring services remain fit for purpose and deliver value to growers. An update is provided below. Importantly, this signals a shift toward more contestable delivery models, moving away from traditional contracting approaches.
As the harvest progresses, we hope it continues to deliver well across the sector. While the challenges facing parts of the domestic food industry are significant, I remain optimistic that periods of disruption can, and often do, lead to positive change, particularly for sectors that are organised, aligned, and ready to engage constructively.
Regards,
Hugh Ritchie
In Depth
Project Updates
We’re continuing to progress a range of initiatives to support growers, with updates on key areas of work outlined below.
Technical Advisory Group (TAP)
Citrus NZ has established a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) to support the governance of our research and development programme, alongside the move to a contestable tendering model.
The TAP replaces the former R&D Committee and provides independent technical advice to help ensure levy investment is well‑targeted, robust, and delivers real value for growers. The Citrus NZ Board continues to set overall research priorities, while procurement and project management sit with the Executive Manager. Project delivery be executed by external service providers.
Citrus NZ is pleased to confirm the members of the TAP: Elaine Gould, Gareth Knox, Matt Carter.
Elaine Gould brings extensive experience across horticultural research, biosecurity, and industry‑led R&D programmes, with a strong track record in translating science into practical outcomes for growers. Her background will be particularly valuable as Citrus NZ continues to prioritise applied research and evidence‑based decision‑making.
Gareth Knox brings broad operational and technical experience across the horticulture sector. Through senior growing and crop management roles and his current position with Horticentre, he offers a strong , practical understanding of grower needs and industry dynamics.
Matt Carter will be well known to many growers and contributes deep technical insight, grounded in hands‑on experience across the citrus sector.
Expressions of interest are also welcomed from individuals with a strong capability in data analysis, who may wish to be considered for future involvement on the TAP.
The TAP’s role is advisory only – it does not sit within procurement or delivery, allowing it to maintain independence while working alongside Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs) to ensure research reflects on‑the‑ground grower needs.
RFP for Project Delivery
The RFP for Market Access and Biosecurity services closed last week and the successful tender will be notified in the coming days. CNZ has been seeking service providers with the capability, availability, and experience to provide season‑long support, recognising the importance of continuity, effective risk management, and long‑term value to the programme.
Separately, R&D projects will be procured on a project‑by‑project basis, supporting contestability, shared learning, and fit‑for‑purpose delivery.
Future R&D project opportunities will be listed on the Citrus NZ website, with notifications sent when tenders are released. If your business would like to be included on the tender notification list, please contact .
Navel Monitoring Programme
As part of the ongoing development of the Navel Monitoring Programme, CNZ has been working with packhouses to explore whether there is value in extending visibility over late‑season maturity, once blanket clearance is in place.
Feedback from packhouses indicated that late‑season harvesting decisions are generally commercially rational and guided by market signals, and that outcomes are typically acceptable. From a programme‑level and governance perspective, CNZ currently has limited independent evidence to demonstrate how late‑season eating‑quality risk is being managed once clearance is called, even where outcomes are deemed acceptable.
To help address this, packhouses will be contributing maturity data to CNZ this season. This will help build a clearer, shared picture of late‑season maturity and support informed discussion about whether any future programme adjustments are warranted.
Importantly, there is no change to this season’s programme requirements for growers. This work is focused on improving sector‑level understanding and assurance, and on supporting future decision‑making through better evidence.
Sector Ground Truthing
At last year’s Regional Advisory Group (RAG) meetings, growers raised the need for better sector‑level data as a priority to support planning, forecasting, and longer‑term decision‑making. In response, CNZ has been working with packhouses to understand what information would be most useful from a practical delivery and planning perspective, while keeping grower needs front and centre.
The objective is to establish a simple, annual update of hectares planted, and varieties by hectare, so the sector has a clearer, shared baseline. Importantly, this would also provide growers with access to a grower‑controlled tool, allowing orchard information to be viewed and, where useful, layered with additional orchard functions.
This work is intended to improve visibility and confidence at a sector level, while giving growers better access to information that supports their own planning. The intention is for the project to be delivered over a six‑month timeframe.
Market Monitoring Report
The 2025/26 Market Monitoring Report will be available for release in June, consistent with previous years. However, the CNZ Board has been taking the opportunity to step back and re‑examine the intent and value of market monitoring report.
Historically, market data on volumes and wholesale values has been collected monthly, aggregated, and reported back to growers at the end of the season – typically several months after the data was captured. While this approach once served a purpose, the value of market information lies in its timeliness, particularly when it can inform harvest and planting decisions in real time.
Viewed through this lens, the Board has concluded that the current market monitoring model will not meet the needs of the sector in 2026/27, and is therefore not fit for purpose in its existing form. As a result, we are reviewing how market information should be captured and shared going forward, with a focus on relevance, timeliness, and regulatory robustness.
Further updates will be provided as a viable option is developed and discussed with packhouses.
Focus Orchard Network
While this concept was considered last year, the Board has now committed to going ahead with the ‘Focus Orchard Network’ as part of a broader effort to strengthen how the sector understands what consistently productive and profitable orchard management looks like in practice.
The intent is not to identify or promote ‘top performers’. Rather, the focus is on building a shared, evidence‑based understanding of the combinations of orchard structure, management practices, and decision‑making that repeatedly deliver strong outcomes, in terms of both productivity and profitability. The aim is to provide credible reference points that the wider sector can learn from and use to inform their own decisions.
For growers who choose to be part of the Focus Orchard Network, participation would be voluntary and designed to be practical and proportionate. The intent is to work with a small number of commercially representative orchards.
Growers involved would be asked to:
- Commit to participation over a multi‑year period, to allow patterns and trends to be observed rather than relying on single‑season results
- Provide a baseline information for their orchard including costs and orchard management practises
- Willing to share orchard management information and performance outcomes on a consistent basis, focused on what materially influences productivity and profitability
The Focus Orchard Network is not a research trial, and it is not intended to assess or compare individual growers. The emphasis is on learning what works consistently in real commercial settings, and creating credible reference points that growers across the sector can choose to learn from and apply in ways that suit their own orchards.
If you are a grower and interested to participating, please contact for further information.
Value Chain Analysis
Late last year we reported on the Exporters Group discussion in relation to Meyer lemons being exported to South Korea. Building on that work, Citrus NZ is progressing a value chain analysis to better understand how value is created, captured, and distributed from orchard through to market.
The purpose of this work is to develop a clearer picture of the dynamics across the citrus value chain. This type of analysis has been a focus of Lincoln University’s applied agri‑food economics work, including research led by Hamish Gow, which looks at market structure, incentives, and how value chains can be improved to support producer outcomes.
By engaging Lincoln University in this work, Citrus NZ is aiming to bring a credible, independent lens to questions growers regularly raise, including:
- How export and domestic value chains differ in terms of risk and return,
- Where constraints or inefficiencies may exist, and
- How greater transparency and alignment could support more resilient and sustainable grower returns over time.
This exercise is about is improving understanding, so future decisions- whether at orchard, exporter, or sector level, are informed by evidence rather than assumption.
As this work develops, it will help inform broader conversations around market access, pricing signals, and value‑chain structure, and support Citrus NZ’s advocacy and strategy work on behalf of growers.
A Career Dedicated to Citrus and Growers
Keith Pyle has recently concluded his advisory involvement with the New Zealand citrus industry, marking the end of a long and significant period of contribution to Citrus New Zealand and the wider grower community.
Beginning with a BSc in Agriculture (Plant Protection/Entomology) from the University of Natal in 1968, Keith built a strong scientific foundation through his early work in Zimbabwe, including cotton pest research and tackling the challenges of tsetse fly control. He later moved into large-scale commercial agriculture with Mazoe Citrus Estate, where he led the development of integrated pest and disease management systems and progressed into senior production roles.
His leadership experience continued in Eswatini, where over 17 years he held senior positions culminating in managing director of a major multi-enterprise irrigation scheme. This period shaped his unique combination of technical expertise and strategic oversight in large-scale horticulture.
Since moving to New Zealand in 1998, Keith has made a lasting impact as an orchardist, consultant, researcher, and advisor. In particular, his leadership of the Sustainable Farming Fund/Citrus NZ IPM project in the early 2000s helped establish practical, science-based pest management approaches that continue to benefit growers today.
Keith has also been a long-standing contributor to Citrus New Zealand’s technical direction, serving as Technical Manager and as a member of the research committee for over two decades. His involvement has helped shape research priorities and ensure outcomes remain relevant and accessible to growers. He is also a major contributor to the Citrus NZ Technical Manual, an important and widely used industry resource.
Throughout his career, Keith has remained strongly connected to the global citrus industry, sharing knowledge and representing New Zealand internationally, including presenting at major citrus conferences around the world.
In recognition of his significant contribution, Keith was awarded Life Membership of Citrus New Zealand – a fitting acknowledgement of both his technical expertise and his longstanding commitment to the industry. He has also generously donated his extensive collection of citrus books and papers to Citrus NZ, providing a valuable resource for future generations of growers and industry participants. These will be housed in Gisborne and will be available to all growers to access.
Keith’s contribution leaves a lasting legacy, and he departs with the appreciation and thanks of the New Zealand citrus industry.
Portfolio Updates
R&D Update
Crop Protection Trial Update
Australian Citrus Whitefly (ACW) and Kellys Citrus Thrips (KCT) are two of the most challenging pests for New Zealand citrus. They can significantly reduce fruit quality and yield, and current control options are limited due to resistance concerns. Finding new, effective control tools is a priority for the industry.
Through the A Lighter Touch (ALT) programme, Citrus NZ has prioritised finding new control options for these pests. Field trials testing promising biological and chemical crop protection products began in late October 2025.
What’s being tested?
Kellys Citrus Thrips Trial: Conducted on lemons, testing three biological products and two chemical products
Australian Citrus Whitefly Trial: Conducted on satsumas and navel oranges, testing six biological products, four synthetic chemicals, and one physical mode of action product.
Applications were made when specified pest thresholds were reached. All applications are now complete, and samples have been collected for residue testing (for synthetic chemical treatments).
What happens next?
Data is currently being analysed by the trial provider. A final report is expected by the end of May. Once the report is available, Citrus NZ will:
- Evaluate the efficacy of each product tested
- Decide which products are promising enough to test further next season
- Use the data to support product registration for use on citrus in New Zealand
The aim is to test only the most promising products in future seasons and further evaluate their efficacy under different seasonal conditions.
These trials are working toward new, effective tools for managing ACW and KCT that can be registered and used commercially in New Zealand. If promising products are identified, they could provide better control of these key pests, offer additional options in rotation to reduce resistance risk, include more biological options with lower environmental impact and support market access by meeting residue and sustainability expectations.
Citrus NZ will share the results through workshops planned in the later half of this year and updates in Citrus NZ communications.
If you’re interested in further information on the trials, please contact
Citrus NZ Trial Block Update
Ongoing evaluations in the Kerikeri and Gisborne blocks are continuing to build a clearer picture of how these selections are performing, with the Citrus NZ variety trials now entering their fifth year of progress.
This work traces back to 2017, when it was identified that the citrus germplasm block at the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Plant & Food Research), Kerikier, may contain a number of selections that had been bred on-site but never fully evaluated. From around 75 unevaluated selections, an initial five were chosen for further trialling based on key attributes such as harvest timing, market fit, seedlessness, and flavour. A further seven were added the following year, bringing the total to 12 selections now under evaluation.
Fast forward to today, and the programme is delivering a valuable dataset:
- Seasonal evaluations continue at the original Kerikeri germplasm block, building the evidence needed should any selections progress further.
- Two dedicated trial sites, are now established in Gisborne and Northland. Both include all 12 selections across a range of rootstocks, allowing for assessment of scion/rootstock combinations and future planting recommendations.
- The Gisborne block, planted from late 2022, is now producing its first fruit. While still early and typical of young trees, it marks an important step in understanding performance under different growing conditions.
It’s a significant shift from where this block began – once facing possible removal, to now being a part of the pipeline for potential new citrus varieties. There are some promising standouts emerging, and while it’s still early days, there is cautious optimism about what these could offer the industry in the future.
Growers are welcome to visit the trial blocks at any time – seeing the selections firsthand is one of the best ways to appreciate the progress being made. Please email .
Industry Updates
Grocery Supply Code update – what suppliers need to know
Recent changes to the Grocery Supply Code came into effect on 1 May 2026, with retailers now required to review existing supply agreements and offer variations where needed. This update outlines what has changed, what to look out for, and where to find support.
When the Code was first introduced in 2023, retailers were required to review their existing grocery supply agreements and identify any terms that did not comply. They were then required to offer variations to bring those agreements in line with the Code. A six-month transition period was provided to allow this process to take place, although suppliers were not obligated to accept any proposed changes.
With the amended Code now in force, retailers are once again required to assess whether their existing agreements meet the updated requirements. Where inconsistencies are identified, they must make offers to vary those agreements by 1 June 2026. As before, suppliers are not required to accept these offers. It is also important to note that the Code still applies even where there is no formal supply agreement in place.
Once you receive a new or varied supply agreement, we recommend that you:
- Review the agreement carefully
- Check whether the changes are consistent with the Code
- Avoid feeling pressured to accept changes you are unsure about
- Seek independent advice if needed
- Raise any concerns early
The updated Code also introduces a new protection against retaliation. Retailers must not take adverse action (such as reducing volumes or delisting products) because a supplier has raised a concern or exercised their rights under the Code.
For further information, we have attached two Commerce Commission fact sheets:
Grocery Supply Agreements: This outlines supplier options when presented with a new agreement or a variation.
Grocery Supply Code: This provides an overview of the Code, including its background, key features, and where to find additional information.
HortNZ will continue to monitor how the Code operates in practice and welcomes feedback from suppliers. Please contact Sarah Cameron ">here.
Tairāwhiti Hort Day Out sparks interest in horticulture careers
Around 50 Year 12 and 13 students from local Tairāwhiti high schools attended the Tairāwhiti Hort Day Out on 7 May 2026, held at EIT Rural Studies in Gisborne. The event aimed to broaden perceptions of horticulture and showcase the wide range of careers available across the sector.
Students rotated through six interactive modules, exposing them to career pathways spanning science, digital technology, business and economics, design, and engineering. The sessions highlighted that modern horticulture offers opportunities well beyond traditional orchard roles.
Supported by the Gisborne On Farm Ministry for Primary Industries support team, local sector organisations and tertiary providers, the day was well attended, with the structure of the modules playing a key role in engaging students.
HortNZ Regional Representative Tessa Rodden said the modules went beyond what people traditionally associate with horticulture. “The interactive nature of the sessions helped students see how many different skills and interests can fit within the sector.”
The day also featured strong tertiary engagement, with EIT, Lincoln University, Massey University and the University of Otago attending to talk with students about study pathways and future career options.
A diverse group of industry mentors supported students throughout the day, sharing personal career journeys and providing insight into the many ways people enter and progress within horticulture.
Events like the Tairāwhiti Hort Day Out play an important role in building future capability for the citrus and wider horticulture sector, helping connect young people with meaningful, long‑term career opportunities.
New Hazardous Substances learning modules
Findings from the recent WorkSafe inspections showed that there were significant gaps in hazardous substances management. 39% of improvements related to hazardous substances and of these 88% of the enforcement issued was in relation to businesses not having safety data sheets (SDS) or inventories.
New online learning modules have been developed to help workers and businesses understand how to use hazardous substances safely. The modules describe the responsibilities businesses and workers have, and how to keep themselves and everyone healthy and safe.
There are 10 online learning modules, which take about 60 minutes in total to complete.
- About the modules
- Working with hazardous substances
- Safety data sheets
- Help with making a hazardous substance inventory
- Managing risk
- Managing hazardous substances on your farm
- Have an emergency plan
- Carcinogens and airborne risks
- Listening to and involving your workers
- Overlapping duties
People can choose do part or all the modules, they do not need to register, and there is no record kept by WorkSafe. These resources support the existing hazardous substances calculator.
You can find these resources on the WorkSafe website Managing your hazardous substances | WorkSafe
In Brief
Annual Membership Fees
Citrus NZ will be sending out annual membership fee invoices this week for Corproate and Industry members.
Producing growers are covered through levies and do not pay a separate membership fee, with continued access to new online resources in the members portal. If you having difficulty logging in, please contact .
Board Position Opportunity, AGM
At this year’s Annual General Meeting in September, there will be one position available on the Citrus NZ Board with Jason Galloway stepping down as part of the introduction of a structured Board rotation policy. This approach reflects a commitment to maintaining a balanced and refreshed governance structure, while ensuring continuity of experience and capability over time. Further information on nominations and the election process will be shared with members ahead of the AGM.
Spray Calibration
AcuFlow will be in the Gisborne region again in June, offering certified sprayer calibrations. For more information, contact Nick: , 027 460 8195, www.acuflow.co.nz
Organic Growers
Organic growers who would like to connect with other organic growers are welcome to register their interest here. By opting in, you agree that your contact details will be shared with other participating organic growers for the purpose of enabling connection and information-sharing.
Have your say on biodiversity benefits and barriers and win!
A Lighter Touch survey, together with Lincoln University, is conducting a survey focusing on biodiversity-enhancing and sustainable crop protection practices in horticulture, the benefits growers associate with these practices, and the factors that may influence whether growers adopt or expand them in future. Read more
Advertising Opportunities in Citrus News
Want to get your business in front of the citrus industry?
Citrus News is published bi-monthly to over 750 readers. With the forum coming up in September now’s a great time to boost your visibility and connect with growers and industry players. Email here for the 2026 rate card.
Grower Advice & Tips
Brown Rot
Spores are naturally present in the soil (particularly in blocks with a history of brown rot). Infection occurs when spores reach low-hanging fruit – usually where fruit is touching, or close to, the ground, or where heavy rain causes soil splash into the canopy. A “bridge” between the soil and the fruit is required for infection to occur.
In severe cases, entire crops on individual trees can be lost, along with defoliation that may impact future seasons. Spread to neighbouring trees is common during cold, wet conditions.
Given the recent rainfall in many areas, most blocks may now be at the point where a fungicide reapplication should be considered.
Control Options
Cultural control is just as important as chemical control in managing brown rot. As the disease originates from the soil, limiting splash and contact is key.
Practical steps include:
- Removing low-hanging fruit or limbs close to the ground
- Taking out and disposing of infected fruit (and any it has contacted)
- Maintaining some ground cover under trees by avoiding winter weed spraying – this reduces splash and supports soil health. This also helps maintain good biological activity in the soil, which can also reduce phytophthora incidence
Chemical Control
Chemical control is often required alongside good orchard management. Key options include:
Copper
- Nil withholding period (WHP), allowing harvest to recommence at any time
- Provides protective control (not curative)
- Apply in conditions that allow fruit to dry before evening to avoid marking
- Some liquid formulations are less likely to mark fruit
- Can also assist with ice nucleating bacteria if applied 2–5 days before light frost
Mancozeb
- 14-day WHP
- Provides protective control
- Suitable where harvest is more than two weeks away
Phosphorous acid (e.g. Phosguard, Foschek)
- Can provide both protective and curative control
- At 600 ml/100 L: curative + protection (up to 3 months)
- At 300 ml/100 L: protection only
- Also assists with control of root rots caused by Phytophthora
- Apply in good drying conditions to avoid fruit marking (cold, slow drying conditions can cause oleo like marking. Apply in the morning of a good drying day so the product is not wet on the fruit going into the evening.
- Do not apply within three weeks of a copper spray as this can mark fruit
Captan
- Effective for brown rot control
- 28-day WHP
- Not suitable for export crops to Japan
Please check label rates and active ingredient concentrations when using products, and confirm any export restrictions with your exporter before application.
Upcoming Events
November Citrus News ’25
19th November, 2025
A warm welcome to Citrus NZ’s new chair, exporter updates and recent activity for CNZ.
Read more
September Citrus News ’25
08th September, 2025
Next week we look forward to hosting citrus growers in Gisborne for our AGM, workshop and Industry Awards Night
Read more
July Citrus News ’25
10th July, 2025
In this edition- launch of our Industry Awards Night, AGM date and our On-Orchard Workshop in September!
Read more