"This is the last thing that growers in Nelson and Central Otago needed to happen."
But the heavy rain that decimated the crop has provided a boon for South Island dairy farmers.
"If bees die, we are going to die as well because they pollinate most of the crops that we eat."
More Kiwis are trying their hand in horticulture after the Government offered incentives recently.
Late last month the Government announced a scheme offering Kiwis a $1000 incentive to try their hand at seasonal work.
Two-thousand seasonal workers will be allowed to enter New Zealand early next year, but there are concerns that won't be enough.
New documents show the horticulture industry's argument for allowing foreign seasonal workers into the country.
The standards are part of the NZGAP certification.
There are concerns crops with earlier harvest times will be left to rot.
