A study of greenhouse gas emissions generated by a kilogramme of New Zealand apples from orchard production to consumption in Britain suggests growers could save thousands of dollars a year by changing their management systems.
Pipfruit New Zealand and the Ministry of Agriculture commissioned the eight-month study headed by Landcare Research.
Anthony Hume, of Landcare, told a Pipfruit New Zealand conference in Napier that the apple industry in general is very carbon efficient, but there is considerable room for improvement.
Dr Hume says the study showed that up to 20% of total greenhouse gas emissions occur up to the time apples leave a port in New Zealand, with shipping to Britain contributing more than 50%.
