The Apricot Co Interim Board (ACIB), in conjunction with Plant & Food Research, is now welcoming orders for ‘Nzsummer’ series apricot budwood for 2021-22. As in the previous season, completed order forms should be returned to the ACIB administrator (via email to Andrea Crawford) by Friday, 20 November 2020. The budwood orders will be collated and reviewed by the ACIB and PFR in early December with all growers and their specified nurseries being advised by email mid-December. 
For those wishing to trial growing ‘Nzsummer’ apricots there is still the option to order up to 10 of each variety for trial blocks (using the trial order form) and for those interested in commercial plantings you can use the commercial order form. A reminder that when placing a commercial order there is a minimum of 500 trees per selection ordered. The ‘Nzsummer’ apricot varieties will be grown subject to commercial marketing agreements and be part of a commercial marketing programme.
Important points to note:
- Plant & Food Research owns the apricot varieties Nzsummer2, Nzsummer3, and Nzsummer4 with initial evaluation facilitated by the Apricot Co Interim Board.
- All orders will be subject to agreements with growers and nurseries. Agreements will be based on the information provided on the order forms, budwood will be provided to your chosen nursery to fulfil your specific order.
- Any expression of interest is made with the intention to convert any and all trials entered into and contractually agreed for the said varieties into a sub licence agreement arrangement with the Master Licensee at an appropriate time.
- If parties do not elect to take up the offer of a sub licence with the Master Licensee then, any and all, trial agreements for these varieties will terminate in accordance with the terms and conditions of the trial agreement(s) with Plant & Food Research activating the termination provisions including the requirement to remove or destroy the plants and plant material under the trial agreement.
Please remember to check with your chosen nursery for rootstock availability. Rootstock should be ordered directly from the nursery and orders for rootstock need to be secured before you place an order for budwood.
For more information on the varieties, members can download the two Nzsummer publications Apricot Co Nzsummer4 grower leaflet and Apricot Co Nzsummer series brochure that are available on the portal under Main Menu/Publications/Orchard management.
Alternatively, contact Andrea Crawford on 029 602 6329 or by email to andrea.crawford@summerfruitnz.co.nz.