Sustaining the fruits of labour: A comparative localities analysis of the integrated fruit production programme in New Zealandʹs apple industry

This paper explores interpretations of globalisation, sustainability and labour processes in the context of New Zealandʹs apple industry. Theoretical critique centres on the notion of emergent food regimes and how it may inform the restructuring geographies of the world economyʹs ‘fresh fruit and vegetable complex’. Empirical investigation is based on comparative localities research involving Hawkes Bay and Nelson — New Zealandʹs two largest apple producing regions. Analysis of the Integrated Fruit Programme (IFP) provides a focus for evaluating key conceptual questions in food regimes research. Intensive interviews with growers help contextualise theoretical debates and provide important insights into the nature of the third food regime ‘from the orchard’.