Northland avocado farmers are suffering huge losses, in some cases up to 70% of the crop, as a result of drought and earlier winter storms.
Maungatapere farmer and Avocado Growers Association mid-North representative Mike Eagles says the prolonged drought is causing fruit to drop.
He says farmers are reducing the height of trees to lessen the risk of storm damage, and letting shelter belts grow higher.
Mr Eagles says there will be more fruit on the local market, however, as avocados that has been damaged cannot be exported so will be sold on the local market.
