KVH recently linked with Scott Wilson, our new Gisborne regional coordinator, in a visit to reconnect with growers for an update on how vine health in the region is tracking following the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

See a set of images from the visit here.

Pleasingly, growers are seeing a marked improvement in vine health as they work to address drainage and compaction issues and continue replanting with the more water resilient Bounty rootstock.

The visit also allowed an opportunity to attend an orchard soil assessment discussion held by Agrotechnovation who presented on the value of physical soil classification as a tool for growers to uncover and improve issues impacting orchard performance, and particularly for those on silted sites. Growers from kiwifruit, citrus and grape sectors attended, as well as Zespri staff and the local Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Farm Advisory contact, providing a chance to further build regional networks and connections.

The KVH team also met Gisborne pack-house and nursery contacts who connect with us through biosecurity elements of the Pathway Plan including biosecurity plans and Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme accreditations.

We acknowledge and thank all those who took time from their busy schedules to meet with the KVH team on their day and share their knowledge and insights.