Grant Thorp Email & Phone Number

I have over 40 years' experience working with the kiwifruit and avocado sectors in New Zealand and internationally researching and providing solutions for growers to increase orchard profits. In recent years, almond and macadamia have been crops of interest. My key area of expertise is tree architecture and the development of innovative growing systems directed at higher yields and improved fruit quality. This has been achieved by taking a whole of systems approach to orchard systems design including making improvements to the quality of trees produced by nurseries, the training and development of trees/vines in the orchard, and the preharvest conditions and harvest maturity of fruit that contribute to postharvest fruit quality. I have recently returned to New Zealand from Australia were I was leading research to develop advanced production systems for the almond and macadamia industries, with parallel projects on almond in California. Objectives were to develop more “cost effective” and “sustainable” growing systems for these crops based on "small tree" growing systems adapted for the best new cultivar and rootstock combinations at each site. I have previously led research programmes in California, Italy and France assisting Zespri with the production of their new kiwifruit cultivars. I am also a member of PFR's International Development Unit with project experience assisting small holder farmers in Brazil, New Caledonia, Kenya and Vietnam.

Listed skills include Horticulture, Science, Fruit, Genetics, and 10 others.