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HortResearch summerfruit breeding and associated research and development activities are integrated with the New Zealand industry base. HortResearch receives direct financial support from the industry via Summerfruit New Zealand Incorporated SNZI), the levy-funded industry organisation.
HortResearch also receives direct annual financial support for breeding new apricot varieties from Starfruits, France, in exchange for rights to test and evaluate selections with an option for exclusive commercialisation licenses for Europe.
Traditionally, new variety releases in New Zealand have been via non-exclusive licenses with fruit tree nurseries, in keeping with the SNZI objective of broad accessibility to new varieties for all growers. The ability to promote creation of a proprietary position for licensed varieties in the New Zealand market has been restricted although the latest releases have been licensed on an exclusive basis to one nursery (as an outcome of an EOI/RFP process). This provides a greater incentive for the nursery to promote the varieties.
'Scarlet O'Hara' and 'Coconut Ice' are leading varieties from the new crisp-fleshed peach breeding programme.
'Cluthagold' is our lead apricot variety in the Clutha series.