July 2018 field day

Blueberries adding diversity to horticulture in NZ

When 240 people turn up on a winter Friday afternoon for a horticultural field day – it’s a sure indication the crop in question is exciting interest.

BerryCo’s event in July attracted more people than expected, keen to visit two Bay of Plenty orchards growing new licenced varieties of high-producing, large-sized blueberries.

Among attendees were existing BerryCo growers, prospective growers, bankers, lawyers, accountants and rural supply companies.

Split into two groups, and travelling in five buses, the parties visited Hidden Valley Orchard near Pahoia, owned by Tony and Nicky Ponder and their son Michael, and a Katikati orchard owned by John, Cindy and Tracey Cotterell.