Labour prospects are even more clouded when the main summerfruit picking season starts in January, requiring 7000 people at its peak.
The costs of leaving fruit on the trees is substantial, warns Summerfruit NZ chief executive Richard Palmer.
Harvesting of the country’s main export cherry crop in Central Otago starts in mid-December and he says if 30% is left unharvested that represents a loss of more than $20 million in export revenue.
Palmer says this year was heading towards a record crop of about 8000 tonnes, of which 6000t will be exported.
A doubling in airfreight costs means it was going to be a tough season anyway, with most growers hoping to breakeven at best, says Palmer.
Recognised Seasonal Employee (RSE) workers from the Pacific Islands have been central to the summerfruit harvest, but with NZ borders effectively closed to control covid-19, Palmer says about 6000 are currently in NZ, less than half what is needed.
Some of those will want to return home for Christmas having been trapped in NZ since lockdown.
The value of RSE workers is more than their availability and willingness to work, but also their skills.
Palmer says a Hawkes Bay orchardist estimates his RSE staff worked on average 54 hours a week compared to NZers 43 hours, but each day they picked 20% more fruit.
“The value of the RSE workers is that they are happy to work and they are highly productive because they have done for a while,” he said.
The industry is waiting for the incoming Government to decide if more RSE workers will be allowed into NZ.
“Part of the problem is we need decisions,” he said.
The sector does have some good news with the Government extending the International Airfreight Capacity (IAFC) scheme through until the end of March.
Transport Connectivity manager with the Ministry of Transport Brent Lewers says since being introduced in April, it has enabled over 3100 flights in and out of NZ.
The IAFC scheme provides funding to guarantee air services on key routes.
Airlines then offer the freight capacity to customers on commercial terms.
“Proposals will need to demonstrate how they will support demand for international connectivity, giving special consideration to optimal departure and arrival destinations, and any option to increase flight frequency,” Lewers said.
That is important for cherry growers who aim to have the fruit in markets 48 to 72 hours after picking, making air services to China and Taiwan out of Christchurch essential to meet that timeline.
