Hirst Partnership

Apple Innovation

Over the years numerous scientific research projects have been undertaken on our orchards, including pest control, disease management, sunburn protection, thinning trials & budwood selection.

Currently we are involved in NZ and international research concerning greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprinting and sustainability.

Hirst Partnership is also participating in a pilot program, ‘Apple Futures’ which aims for fruit outcomes with nil detectable residue. A recent development involves new plantings of trial apple varieties in partnership with our exporter, Freshco.

A number of our apple varieties are controlled by Varietal Clubs or exporters, which restrict planting volumes worldwide and determine quality parameters and maintain marketing premiums.

We are focused on targeting our apple production to specific international markets and it is the demand from these markets that will determine our future apple plantings.