Quiet Power: Mark Ericksen's Innovative Approach to Kiwifruit Farming

Mark Ericksen is a shareholder and supplier to Zespri, the world’s largest kiwifruit exporter, and a grower of the prized gold kiwifruit, which travels from his relatively modest 45-hectare orchard in the Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, to markets in 59 countries across the globe.

Horticulture on this scale, particularly the apple and kiwifruit production in which Ericksen specialises, is very demanding. “For us, it’s about both the quality of the fruit we produce, as well as the sustainability of our operation, whether that’s economic, social, or environmental — and we’re performing well across those three parameters.”

When it came to purchasing an electric vehicle for the farm, however, he had a few reservations, he says. “In terms of the sustainability we’re striving for with Zespri, reducing our carbon footprint was the right thing to do. With any new product that comes out, however, I’m always a little sceptical about how robust or reliable it’s really going to be.”

It didn’t take long before his reservations evaporated. While it’s a given the UBCO offers a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions — each bike emits 97% less carbon than an ICE vehicle — he has discovered it offers significant benefits for the company’s targets for economic and social sustainability as well.