A kiwifruit co-operative says it will put up the cash for growers willing to convert to a new variety of gold kiwifruit.
Western Bay of Plenty post-harvest operator Direct Management Services (DMS) is offering to put up the capital for conversions to G3 kiwifruit which it says is proving more tolerant to the kiwifruit vine bacteria PSA.
Director Paul Jones says while Plant and Food Research bred G3 for its taste, productivity and size it is also proving to be more tolerant to PSA than Hort16A, the traditional gold variety.
Mr Jones says growers have been hesitant to convert to a new variety due to the uncertainty surrounding PSA and financial support from DMS will help with that.
He says the offer is open to all growers, not just DMS suppliers, and orchard lease contracts would be worked out with growers who convert.
Growers will be able to find out specifics at a meeting on 10 April.
