118 | Nature friendly apples with exceptional flavour Bayleaf Organics has been accepted by Foodstuffs to sell some of its organic apples at its Hawke’s Bay supermarkets. Bayleaf Organics T T Sue Russell “When we’re assessing varieties, we have to know that we can grow them under organic systems. We have fewer options accordingly but that’s something we’re prepared to live with....” PRODUCTION Wendy and Craig Dowling were drawn to organic horticulture because they believe that following these nature-friendly practices is not only great for the environment but also produces exceptional apples in both flavour, crunch and appearance. Based in Haumoana and Meeanee, Hawke’s Bay, the couple tend to four orchards, three owned and one leased block, extending over a 40ha footprint. Craig’s history in Horticulture extends back decades. Growing up on an orchard block operated by his parents, it wasn’t surprising that Craig felt a strong pull to continue the family tradition. In the past Wendy and Craig have operated up to seven orchard blocks. Wendy says they have been in the orchard-game long enough to see varieties come and go, at the whim of the market. “It’s fair to say that in the last four or five years the sector here has had a bit of a downturn and its not hugely profitable any more. We are more discerning as to what varieties we grow these days and the profitability of each block,” Wendy explains. The burgeoning of new apple varieties has brought challenges and opportunities. As certified organic growers, there are clear restriction on what products can be used to protect apples from disease. Some varieties, can’t be grown under organic systems but Wendy says there is still interest by consumers in organic produce which can carry a premium. “When we’re assessing varieties, we have to know that we can grow them under organic systems. We have fewer options accordingly but that’s something we’re prepared to live with, given we know our apples are special and there’s a discernible difference in taste between organic and non-organic fruit.” Bayleaf Organics is the first working orchard in New Zealand to trial growing Rocket applies organically, grafting them on to existing trees last year. Craig and Wendy are keen to develop organic Rockit™ here and Wendy describes them as wonderful eating apples, with an amazing potential market. “It’s pretty small here in New Zealand but in the Asian markets it is very popular, lasting and storing well. One of our friends had been growing Rockit™ and we had an under-performing block so used the opportunity to see what we could do with Rockit™ on that plot of land.” Wendy says they are looking forward to seeing what becomes of the trial and the quality of harvest produced next season is exciting to contemplate. It will take three seasons to really establish the crop well and to know what its potential is. Along with Craig and Wendy, four other permanent staff and 26 RSE’s during the peak season keep the orchards ticking over. Bayleaf Organics is approved RSE employers. When Business North spoke with Wendy that very day a new accommodation block for workers was being delivered on site. When the cyclone occurred last year about a third of the crop was lost, and though a lot of rain fell, fortunately the orchards didn’t get the build up of silt which was so devastating to other parts of the region. “Our production has certainly been impacted but we were very surprised at how well the trees managed. With bridges down we couldn’t get over to some of our blocks to check.” At that time Gala apples were about a week or two from being harvested. Wendy says they believe that having been organic gave the trees a better prospect of coping with the huge amount of rain. Bayleaf Organics has been accepted by Foodstuffs to sell some of its organic apples at its Hawke’s Bay supermarkets, something Wendy says is an exciting development, which may lead to wider access to the consumer market. As a relatively small scale producer Wendy says these days there is little flesh in the sector, calling for a focus on innovation to bring about efficiencies. For fruit that doesn’t meet the pristine grade for overseas markets, Bayleaf Organics has teamed with Sunfruit. Any fruit not of export quality is repurposed and used in juices and baby foods, and for apple cider vinegar. “We’re pleased about this as to see great fruit going to waste is heartbreaking. Now we know that the vast majority of what we grow is put to good use with very little waste in the system.”
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