The effects of contracts on orcharding : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Horticultural Management

Abstract

Contained in this report are details of a study made of New Zealand fruit growers with regard to their systems of payment. Research was by means of case studies, using a standardised questionnaire, of a total of five fruit growing properties in two regions - Canterbury and Central Otago. The properties chosen for the study employed both contract labour and hourly rate labour, with comparisons between the two being made. The questionnaire aimed at defining the problems of both systems for the growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion on their interpretation, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for growers wishing to consider using contract labour on their orchards.