Greenfields Organic development
Organic horticulture is on the rise and our family is interested in sustainability and can see the potential for organic fruit. We set about researching the viability of doing a development this way. There are additional benefits of growing organically for plant and soil health.
James and Donna Wilkins (brother and sister-in-law) undertook a Zespri Organic Gold development in 2017 adjacent to our orchard. We realised we could do similar, and convert dairy pasture into organic Wilkins kiwifruit, and we were fortunate that James assisted as project manager, along with Guy Wilkins.
Timeline:
2019 - Bruno rootstock plants were grown in a nursery by Nicky and Anna Wilkins. Earthworks commenced for Jan’s block.
Bruno rootstock in the nursery
Contouring completed, orchard shelter posts installed (2019)
Birds eye view with structural posts installed, Jan’s block (2020).
2020 - Jan’s block planted out in winter. Earthworks for Guy’s block underway.
Guy and Nicky Wilkins in Jan’s block 2020
Anna Wilkins installing irrigation fittings (2020).
2021 - Jan’s block grafted in winter to Wilkins green. Guy’s block planted with rootstock.
2022 - Guy’s block grafted in winter to Wilkins green.
