New Zealand’s olive farmers started harvesting late last month, and although many producers look forward to a bountiful yield, they have been affected by the significant rainfall in recent months.
Emma Glover, Olives New Zealand's executive officer, said the first Northland orchards started harvesting in late March. She said most of the country's harvest generally goes through May and June, but this year it's two weeks later.
“Well-maintained groves, with good pruning and spraying management, are more resilient and therefore have withstood the weather better and should have a moderate season,” Glover added.
"The harvest is looking more promising than last year for all varieties, with better weather around the time of flowering and fruit set than last year, as well as being our ‘on-year’ [in the olive trees’ natural alternate bearing cycle]."