Thrive Consulting
2020
ESTB
HORTICULTURE CONSULTING
ABOUT ME
​
ALEX HUFFADINE
BSc(Hons), Dip Hort, Dip Teaching
I have been involved in the horticulture industry for over 30 years and worked with Government Departments, private companies and as a Principal Lecturer teaching horticulture science. I am a commercial export fruit grower and farmer based in Central Otago. I bring practical and technical skills together, drawing on years of experience teaching horticulture and ‘hands on’ experience as a grower.
Over many years I have helped growers overcome technical problems, plan developments and implement regenerative growing techniques. Alongside this I support vast numbers of home gardeners with their gardens and in particular with managing their fruit crops. I bring a down to earth and understandable approach to growing, which everyone can understand and put into practice.
​
I have spent a number of years working in Latin America as a Spanish speaking Market Manager. This involved working with Government Departments, Tertiary Institutions and the horticulture industry. I have considerable connections throughout these countries.
LATEST TIPS!
Spring Maintenance
​
It's a great time to get your orchard in order.
​
Pruning is finished but it's time to get spray operations underway, repair irrigation, get your irrigation monitoring in place and working, fertiliser applications begin.
Monitoring systems are crucial to orchard operations. Data will allow you to make informed decisions. As an example, good irrigation monitoring ensures you keep soil moisture levels at the correct level for optimum quality and size at harvest. Attention to detail here may lead to better returns for your fruit.
CENTRAL OTAGO DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT
Thrive Consulting conducted a survey for the CODC, around understanding fruit loss in Central Otago. For more information on this topic, please see the link below. If you have any further questions make sure to get in touch.
​
"Fruit loss is fruit that is grown for human consumption but does not end up being sold for human consumption and is lost on property or in production (orchard and packhouse). This includes non-harvested fruit (left on tree) as well as harvested fruit that does not get sold or consumed by humans.
Understanding fruit loss in Central Otago focusses on the loss that occurs on-property, not the loss at the distribution, retail or consumer end of the supply chain (food waste). Local company Thrive Consulting, that specialises in horticulture consultancy services, conducted the research and authored the report. The report’s data came from surveys and interviews with Central Otago horticulture growers and quantified fruit loss for – apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines." Central Otago District Council 2021.
​
CENTRAL OTAGO LABOUR SURVEY
Recently completed is the Central Otago Horticulture and Viticulture Labour Survey. The report has key information regarding planted areas, labour and accommodation needs for the Central Otago region. This is a ‘must read’ for growers and potential growers. It provides crucial information that growers need prior to planting, or for existing growers while in the planning stages.
​
The latest report is available now, and shows considerable change within the industry. See here for the full report
​
​
