The initial water release from the Waimea Community Dam proved timely for Vailima Orchards, known for its quality apple production for both domestic and international markets. Matthew Hoddy, a fourth-generation apple grower and business manager at Vailima Orchards, highlighted the Asia market's preference for larger apples, particularly for gifting purposes. Vailima cultivates 10 apple varieties across 218 hectares in the Waimea Plains, holding intellectual property licences for Eve, Ambrosia, and Evercrisp through its marketing arm, Luv'ya Apples. The orchard serves markets in New Zealand, Asia, North America, and Western Europe.
Earlier in the year, the region faced an extreme drought that threatened crop sizes, potentially limiting market options. Hoddy indicated the critical role of the dam's water in averting severe rationing steps that would have impacted not only the current year's crop but also the subsequent year's, as trees were at the stage of setting buds for future fruit. The drought also posed a risk to the longevity of productive trees, some established for over 35 years.
Source: farmersweekly.co.nz