HORTNEWS SEPTEMBER 2021, ISSUE 18
Sustainability a top priority. – Page 10
ISSN 2624-3490 (print) ISSN 2624-3504 (online)
WWW.HORTNEWS.CO.NZ
Migrant worker change! Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
THE GOVERNMENT is looking at curbing our reliance on migrant workers as part of immigration service changes post-Covid. The changes include looking at ways to increase productivity of the New Zealand workforce. Environment Minister David Parker told the recent Horticulture NZ conference that the Government is working its way through the changes. “We are sending some signals that post-Covid we’re not intending things to go back to exactly as they were in respect of immigration service.” Parker says there a number of reasons for this move. The first is that some major cities have fallen behind in infrastructure provisions – things like both private and public housing and roads. This has been made harder by the one of the highest rates of immigration and population growths. “We are really in the extremes of the OECD countries,” Parker told the conference. Parker says the Government is also looking at changes in terms of productivity and has tasked the Productivity
Commission with this. “Despite having world class institutions and a good education system, NZ’s labour and the total factor productivity increases have been lacklustre,” he says. “And we have a concern that overreliance on access to ever increasing numbers of short-term and long-term migrants reduces the incentive to increase productivity capital.” The hort sector relies heavily on Pacific Island workers entering NZ every year on short term visas to pick fruit and vegetables and work on farms. Parker has ruled out changing inward migration “from one extreme
to another”. He concedes that there are areas of high growth requirements of special skills that are unlikely to be met from our own labour market. He claims the Government is working closely with sectors like horticulture to address the issue. Recently, it gave the green light for seasonal workers from Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu without having the need to go through the standard two-week managed isolation. Parker adds that, like the 2,000 RSE workers brought in last year, the same conditions – including paying at least the living wage and providing appro-
priate accommodation – would be enforced. There are normally about 14,400 RSE workers a year, but the pandemic and border restrictions have cut that workforce in half. Parker claims the Government is working closely with sectors struggling with labour shortages during this period. He says the constraints aren’t related to any policy change, but to border complications. “Having said that, we want to work with businesses on how they can attract new workers, whether it is by improving conditions or by being more flexible.”
Parker thanked the horticulture sector for helping New Zealanders upskill themselves and giving them a future place in the workforce. “We see sectors like kiwifruit and summerfruit attracting New Zealanders and we applaud them; these efforts must continue. It’s true that some employers have more difficulty in attracting and retaining staff than others and that’s not the fault of government,” he says. Technology will also have a big part to play in meeting labour requirements. Parker says he’s impressed by deployment of technology at some packhouses around the country.
ALL SMILES!
Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron with PM Jacinda Ardern at Parliament last month celebrating the kiwifruit industry’s past year. More than 200 people gathered in the Banquet Hall at the Beehive, in what Zespri described as a ‘thank you’ function for all those who had contributed to the success of the industry in the past year. Ardern described the kiwifruit sector as brilliant and one that goes from strength-to-strength despite having to deal with the added challenge of the pandemic. – See full story page 4.
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
Govt regulations ‘avalanche’ cripples industry Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FORMER HORTICULTURE New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman says labour shortages and an avalanche of government-sponsored regulations are crippling the sector. “If you can’t have labour, you can’t grow. If you can’t grow, you cannot comply,” Chapman told Hort News. “That is the real nexus and you must have every ingredient in place to make it work.” He says the Government is keen on horticulture growing but the key is getting enough seasonal workers into the country. Chapman, who stepped down after five years in the role, was honoured at last month’s Hort NZ conference in
Hamilton with the Bledisloe Cup in recognition of his services to the industry. He was also honoured by the Chinese Growers Association, Pukekohe, for his services to the group. Chapman says receiving the awards was incredibly humbling and really unexpected. “You do the best job you can and don’t expect any of this recognition other than knowing that you have done a great job,” he says. “But the industry recognising that is incredibly special, and the Chinese growers’ award, which isn’t a regular award, receiving that was unbelievable as well. “It’s a special recognition from a group of growers who are really important and a core part of the industry.” Chapman’s career in the horticulture industry
Mike Chapman won the Bledisloe Cup for horticulture pictured with Ag Minister Damien O’Connor and HortNZ president Barry O’Neil.
has spanned more than 20 years. Swapping his legalfocused work for kiwifruit, he took up the role of Kiwifruit New Zealand chief executive in 2002
and then in 2005 became NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chief executive. Ten years later he picked up the reigns as Horticulture NZ chief executive, a position he
held until June this year. The Bledisloe Cup for horticulture was first presented in 1931 by the then Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, for a competition between orchard-
ists for the best exhibit of New Zealand apples at the Imperial Fruit Show. It is one of several cups Lord Bledisloe presented to New Zealand and is similar to rugby’s
NZ potato sector flourishes NEW ZEALAND’S potato sector remains a billion dollar plus industry despite a year of crises. Potatoes New Zealand says the total value of the NZ potato industry now sits at $1.16 billion, a 58% growth rate since targets were set in 2013. Chief executive Chris Claridge says this result shows the immense value of the local processing sector. “Fifty-five percent of our locally grown potatoes produce fries and
another 12% produce crisps. A strong domestic market for NZ processed potatoes underpins our industry and maintains our growers’ resilience.” However, the sector is disappointed by the findings of a Minis-
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try for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) tariff report. Claridge says the conclusions of the MBIE Final Report into European Dumping are “very disappointing” for growers and the Potatoes NZ board.
MBIE found the confirmed dumping of imported potato fries into the NZ market as not of material threat to the local industry. Claridge says this signals to NZ importers and EU exporters that the NZ Government is leaving the gate open. “The obvious risk here is a real material threat to our domestic potato processing market and our growers,” he says.
Bledisloe Cup, which was also donated in 1931. HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Chapman’s advocacy for the horticultural industry has been untiring, forceful, and balanced. Despite retiring from HortNZ, Chapman remains involved with the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. Chapman says the RSE scheme is critical to the sector and he’s happy to continue working on behalf of growers. “I have a track record working with government officials on the scheme.” He was instrumental in the Government’s decision in early August to permit RSE workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, to enter New Zealand without the need for managed isolation. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
NZ POTATO INDUS TRY FAST FACTS:
• The NZ po tato industry value is ove r $1 billion dollars per an num • NZ process ed potatoes account for 67% of NZ potato indu stry value • Currently 85 % of all fries eaten in NZ are NZ fries • 15% of frie s consumed in NZ are impo rted
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
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Keeping NZ kids healthy! Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND’S fresh fruit and vegetable sector has signed a new twoyear deal with the Government to continue supplying produce to low decile schools. The Fruit and Vegetables in Schools (FIS) scheme has been running since 2008. In July, United Fresh – a pan-industry body representing the entire sector supply chain – signed a new deal with the Ministry of Health. United Fresh president Jerry Prendergast says the deal means 560 low decile schools around the country will continue to receive fresh produce every school day. He says this is 25% of all primary schools, with 124,000 students receiving over 27 million servings of fresh
United Fresh president Jerry Prendergast (left) and executive committee member Dr Hans Maurer at the recent HortNZ Conference.
fruit and vegetables each year. “This United Fresh initiative funded by the Ministry of Health should not be underestimated for the huge impact it is
having for NZ kids and our industry,” says Prendergast. He says FIS is working towards ending hunger, reducing inequality and improving health, wellbe-
ing and education. “FIS is an excellent example of a successful local response to a global issue.” The United Nations has declared 2021 as
the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV). Prendergast says the IYFV is a great opportunity to continue the discussions that we need to have around providing
accessible, nutritious food to all Kiwis. FIS reaches every decile one and two school in NZ, more than any other food and nutrition health promotion initiative. Prendergast says the IYFV highlights the critical contribution that the country’s fresh produce industry makes to the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. “The fresh fruit and vegetables that our members produce provide the essential nutrients that help fuel our whole country,” Prendergast says. “Eating at least five servings of fresh produce a day is an important part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle, even more so in Covid-19 times.” He believes the role of fruit and vegetables in supporting health is critical to our well-being, but
adds that the fresh produce industry makes a significant contribution to the entire economy as a source of income and employment, particularly in our rural communities. “Fruit and vegetable production has been a critical part of the New Zealand economy for more than a century. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure our produce is reaching all Kiwis,” Prendergast explains. “NZ’s fresh produce growers are already working hard to adopt sustainable practices. “The IYFV offers a platform for us to further the advances that we have made in improving our storage, transport and processing procedures to bring fruit and vegetables to market with as little environmental impact as possible.”
SORTING OUT YOUR SOILS STRUCTURE Gypsum as a highly available Calcium source with immediately available sulphate sulphur – really assists with in-row trafficking or compaction issues, helps the root zone & air-filled porosity of the sub soil. Helping the roots of the tree be at their best. • Calcium increases postharvest conservation of Apples & subtropical crops such as Kiwifruit, is a vital element for fruit quality, cell growth & rigidity prevention of Bitter pit etc • Soil applied Calcium sources can augment & substitute the foliar applications traditionally used in apple orchards, in-order to lower production costs, provided there is no water shortage. • Healthier roots are encouraged, & assisting the xylem pump the Calcium which is available up the tree into the new shoots & fruitlets which are forming. • Getting things right at the start of the crop’s development & in the root zone • Gypsum is a soil conditioner that improves soil quality, drainage, aeration and particle size • 23.3 % Calcium & 18% Sulphate sulphur • Secondary benefits such as suppression of Phytophthora with no significant effect on pH
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
Zespri celebrates in style Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE CONTRIBUTION of NZ’s kiwifruit industry came in for some high praise at a special function at Parliament, just before the latest Covid lockdowns. More than 200 people gathered in the Banquet Hall in the Beehive in what Zespri described as a ‘thank you’ function for all those who had contributed to the success of the industry in the past year. Diplomats rubbed shoulders with parliamentarians of all hews, along with government officials, primary sector leaders and a fair sprinkling of Zespri staff, growers and media. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the kiwifruit sector as brilliant and one that goes from strength-to-strength despite have to deal with the added challenge of the pandemic. “If you’d told me at the start of the Covid19 pandemic that we’d been standing here tonight with an economy that is back to preCovid levels and with the kind of export results that you have produced, I would have found that hard to believe,” she told the gathering. “But it has been achieved and with shear hard work. I want to applaud you for the all the work that you did for NZ.” Ardern noted the growth in kiwifruit exports in the past three years and the benefits
The NZ kiwifruit industry’s contribution to the NZ economy came in for some high praise at a special function held at Parliament last month.
that this returned not only to NZ, but to the various regions around the country. She said the growth has not only been in the Bay of Plenty but has also extended north to Auckland and the Far North, and south into the Eastern Bay of Plenty to such places as Opotiki and down to Gisborne. “What is also so exciting in the increasing growth by Māori in kiwifruit. The kiwifruit sector represents the highest sector of Māori ownership in any area of horticulture,” she says. Finally, the PM pointed out her personal connection to the sector. She says her grandfather was one of the early kiwifruit
growers – who later went on to grow Nashi pears and avocados. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor also praised the kiwifruit sector saying it had done, and continues to do, an outstanding job. He says Zespri’s goal of earning $4.5 billion in exports by 2025 is brilliant target and one he believes the industry will achieve. “Kiwifruit offers the finest nutrition to some of the world’s most discerning customers and they are prepared to pay a premium for it. “We’d like this to be a model that is rolled out for all the other primary sectors,” he says. “It has been a very successful year and I would like to
THE NZ KIWIFRUIT INDUSTRY BY THE NUMBERS • 2,818 producers with 15,426 hectares in kiwifruit • 7,223 in Green and 8,065 in SunGold and 365 in Red • 10,000 permanent employees and up to 24,000 seasonal jobs • Typically, 60% of the seasonal roles filled by NZers and most of the permanent roles also by NZers • 79% of Zespri kiwifruit is grown in the Bay of Plenty • Highest returns - $76,772 for Green and $177,846 for SunGold in 2020/21 • Zespri export to over 50 countries • Zespri employs 770 staff of whom about half are based offshore in 20 countries
acknowledge the commitment of everyone in the kiwifruit sector – from those who grew the fruit and picked it to those who are out in the market selling the product.”
O’Connor also praised the fact that innovation continues to drive the kiwifruit industry. He says the sector is always coming up new fruit and attractive
options and that other sectors should emulate such initiatives. He also praised the way the industry has been able to attract people to work on its orchards despite the
challenges. Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron says the past season has been a long one but noted that the industry had coped well – despite the challenges it faces. “The market around the world is incredibly strong but faces headwinds which will have to contend with,” he says. Cameron says the world the industry operates in is more uncertain and fragile than it’s ever been and maintaining relationships and building new ones is never easy. He says it is only made possible by the assistance that the industry receives from the people who were at the function at Parliament.
HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
More apples to come, but no one to pick them! Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE APPLE and pear sector is sitting on a knife edge waiting to see how the latest Covid outbreak will play out in the coming months. NZ Apples & Pears chair Richard Punter says all bets are off and there is a high degree of nervousness in the sector
as it watches and waits for developments. He says the sector should be heading for a very good season in 2022, but if they can’t get RSE workers from the Pacific, it will be a disaster for the industry. “The consequences are unthinkable if we don’t get these people,” Punter told Hort News. “Last season should
have been a billion dollar season, with the new plantings that have gone in and the existing crops we had. It was a good looking crop, despite the hail in Nelson. But the damage caused by a lack of RSE labour cost us dearly.” Punter says, a few weeks ago, everything looked good with the news that the Govern-
ment was working on protocols to bring in RSE workers from the Covidfree Pacific islands. “Our management team had been working with NZ officials on getting those protocols established and also working out the protocols with the Pacific island governments around repatriation,” he says. “The Government said,
reasonably, if they can’t be repatriated you can’t bring them in – but all this is now up in the air.” Punter says he’s still hoping that the situation will improve and he hasn’t had a call from Wellington saying it’s ‘game over’. However, he adds that the officials are very cautious and, at this point in time, he has no idea what may transpire.
The apple sector is heading for a very good season in 2022, but warns that without more RSE workers from the Pacific it will be a disaster.
THE COST OF THE LACK OF LABOUR NZ Apples and Pears says it’s estimated that about 15% of last season’s apple crop was not picked, mainly due to the labour shortage, with the hail event in Nelson also having a minor impact. Chief executive Allan Pollard told Hort News that this cost the industry about $150 million in lost export earnings. He adds that logistics of getting product to market all conspired to make 2021 a pretty challenging season. Pollard says it was particularly hard for the small growers who have just one crop and one harvest – whereas some of the larger growers have other crops besides apples and are able to cope better. Like his chairman, Pollard is fearful of the consequences of border closures, which will prevent RSE workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu coming to work in NZ orchards for the coming season. “The other issue is that, due to Covid, there are significantly fewer backpackers in the country whom we also greatly rely on. We are also facing intense competition for labour from other sectors because everyone is desperate for workers.” Pollard says having sufficient labour for the pruning season, which reaches a peak in November, is the immediate priority. But he adds, that is closely followed by the main picking season, which begins in February. Pollard says they are also waiting to see if there might be split alert level lockdowns in the country and trying to work out how to deal with that. He says the sooner they can get some certainty and get back to normal operating procedures the better. “Right now, it’s a case of the calm before the storm,” he says.
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
New JV kiwifruit breeding centre to open in October Peter Burke peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
OCTOBER 1 is confirmed as the start date for Plant & Food Research and Zespri’s new 50/50 joint venture Kiwifruit Breeding Centre. The centre will be based in Te Puke, but will also operate out of Kerikeri, Motueka and Mt Albert in Auckland, and have a presence offshore in selected kiwifruit regions. Its focus will be driving greater innovation within kiwifruit breeding, focusing on creating healthier, better tasting and more sustainabilityfocused varieties. The proposal to create the centre was signposted in December 2020 and follows two years of due diligence. The centre has now received approval from both the boards of Zespri and Plant & Food Research, as well as the shareholding ministers of
The first of October is confirmed as the start date for Plant & Food Research and Zespri’s new 50/50 joint venture Kiwifruit Breeding Centre.
Plant & Food Research. The centre will be jointly funded by Plant & Food Research and Zespri, with the organisations sharing royalties from any future commercialised new varieties. Plant & Food chief executive David Hughes says the decision as an
exciting step for industry and innovation. “It’s a natural evolution of the hugely successful 30-year relationship between Zespri and Plant & Food Research which has delivered the world-leading SunGold Kiwifruit variety, alongside Zespri Red. This
new venture will carry us further and faster.” Zespri chief executive Dan Mathieson says the new venture underpinned the industry’s commitment to accelerate innovation. “This is an exciting development for our industry and will allow us
to extend New Zealand’s position as the world’s leading innovator in kiwifruit. The centre represents our commitment to broaden our efforts exploring promising new varieties within our research pipeline and bring these to our growers
and consumers faster,” he says. Zespri and Plant & Food Research have also announced that experienced agri-food and innovation sector director Michael Ahie has been appointed to chair the Kiwifruit Centre board. Ahie is chancellor of
Massey University and a former chair of Plant & Food Research. Ahie says the board expects to announce the appointment of a chief executive for the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre in the coming month. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews
MARKETING BLAST FOR ROCKIT GAINING MOMENTUM from the global roll-out of its new brand in July, NZ fruit company Rockit has recently launched its biggest sales and marketing campaign. From mainland China to the Middle East, Rockit says it is driving its back-to-school campaign into thousands of stores and homes in its key global markets, promoting
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the nutritional and health benefits of choosing Rockit as children head back to the classroom. Julian Smith, general manager global marketing for Rockit Global, says Rockit – which is sold in 30 countries worldwide – is currently in the midst of a very sharp growth curve across its international markets with volume up 43% on 2020 figures. He
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says the back-to-school campaign uses multiple platforms and touchpoints to establish the fully mature, miniature apple as the right healthy snack for kids to fuel their day. “This is the first time we’ve launched a global marketing campaign of this size and calibre into some of our most exciting markets like the UAE, Hong Kong, Taiwan and
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Saudi Arabia.” He says consumers will be able to access a new interactive campaign microsite featuring downloadable activities, competitions and giveaways, as well as creative ideas to get everyone from kids to adults moving. “Importantly, we’re ramping up our social media and digital marketing in our key back-to-school markets
with influencer content and collaborations, and delivering that content in traditional and simplified Chinese, and Arabic.” Smith says the campaign is another step in Rockit’s journey towards sharing 400 million of its snack-sized apples with the world by 2025. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
Pride in ‘dynamic’ industry Sudesh Kissun
“I am proud to work in such a dynamic industry and to be part of providing New Zealanders with fresh and healthy food every day.”
sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
PUKEKOHE VEGETABLE Growers Association’s (PVGA) first woman president, Kylie Faulkner, was extremely surprised and honoured to receive the President’s Trophy at the recent Horticulture New Zealand Conference. “I am proud to work in such a dynamic industry and to be part of providing New Zealanders with fresh and healthy food every day,” she told Hort News. Faulkner, who was elected as PVGA president in 2019, was recognised for having passion for working on behalf of New Zealand’s horticulture industry, as well as commitment to developing as a business leader and successful grower. Faulkner says she was born to vegetable growing, “being put in an
President’s Trophy winner Kylie Faulkner (left) with HortNZ chair Barry O’Neil and Ratahi Cross from Ngai Tukairangi Trust.
onion bin as a young child when my parents did not want me to get run over in the packhouse”. Twelve years ago, she returned to the family business and says that “to be successful, growers always need to be smarter
about the way they grow”. As PVGA president she has strenuously advocated for growers in the areas of land use, the environment and labour. During Auckland’s previous lockdowns, Faulkner helped ensure that Pukekohe growers
could continue to pick, pack and transport their produce, to New Zealanders around the country. Other awards were also handed out at the HortNZ Conference. Industry service awards were provided to three people for long-standing
and significant service to the sector: Tim Jones, who recently retired as chair of Summerfruit New Zealand and held the position for five years. He has been chief executive of 45 South Management for more than 20 years and
is passionate about summerfruit, “willingly sharing his knowledge and expertise, and advocating for the industry”. Covid has seen Jones focusing on labour and ensuring summerfruit can get to export markets, despite ongoing freight issues. Brent Mathieson is described by HortNZ as a “totally commit-
ted and loyal servant to the New Zealand horticulture industry”. He started his horticulture career in 1979. Mathieson has focused on seed, in particular, sweetcorn and dwarf bean varieties for processing, but as he has neared retirement, he’s looked at outdoor crops such as cauliflower, onions, broccoli, lettuce and carrots. David Watts left the commercial world more than 30 years ago to take up kiwifruit and avocado orcharding in Katikati. He has filled many grower representation roles, at New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and the Katikati Fruit Growers’ Association, as chairman and as an executive member. Watts has contributed to more than 40 government submissions and has only just stepped down as Fruit News editor and advertising manager.
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
‘Squashing’ good milk! A PLANT ‘milk’ made from New Zealandgrown kabocha buttercup squash is now hitting supermarket shelves in Asia. This comes after a partnership between a Hawke’s Bay company and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). MPI contributed more than $95,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) to help boost Kabocha Milk Co’s efforts to formulate, manufacture, and market a shelfstable kabocha milk recipe that would appeal to consumers in Japan, Korea, China, and beyond. It has been branded under the name ‘Kabochamilk’. The project is a collaboration between Shane Newman – one of New Zealand’s largest buttercup squash growers from
the Hawke’s Bay, and Sachie Nomura – a Japanese celebrity chef and the brains behind avocadomilk, an award-winning plant milk. Kabochamilk is fully vegan and free from artificial flavours and colours – and “tastes outstanding”, according to Newman. “Our Kabochamilk uses the un-exported tag-3 fruit, creating a high-value, sustainable and exportable product from produce that would otherwise go to waste,” he explains. “It’s immensely satisfying to have hit upon a new opportunity for New Zealand’s kabocha industry.” Newman says kabocha is a staple and regular healthy part of the Japanese and East Asian diet. “There are no other comparable kabocha
Hawke’s Bay’s Shane Newman is one of New Zealand’s largest buttercup squash growers.
milks in any of those markets, and it became a really exciting opportunity to fill that gap.” New Zealand is one of the largest exporters of kabocha to Japan and Korea. By tapping into the strong distribution and retail channels Newman and his family have established from over 40 years of fresh horticultural and export business, Kabochamilk is able to gain
access to a large distribution network of around 5,000 Asian retailers, supermarkets, and convenience store chains. “We’ve made agreements with powerhouse distributors in Japan and Korea that have access to thousands of retail stores,” Newman adds. “Our products are already available in Tsurya and Harashin, high-end chain stores in
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Japan, which is a major coup. “While all our product will go offshore, we’re using local farmers, local R&D, and local manufacturers, packaging, and domestic logistics companies – so the benefits to the New Zealand economy are considerable.” Newman says the story of the kabocha being grown and produced in New Zealand is
an important part of the branding. “New Zealand growers already have very high credibility among consumers, so we emphasise the product’s origin story in our marketing,” he explains. “The market feedback already has been extremely positive, from product concept, to taste, to brand.” Newman says Kabo-
chamilk is positioned as an everyday ‘milk alternative’ product that can be consumed at any time of day as a simple way of introducing healthy nutrients into the family diet. MPI’s investment programmes director Steve Penno says Kabocha Milk Co is providing valuable employment opportunities in New Zealand’s food sector. “These opportunities will only continue to grow as the company expands,” he says. “This product promotes a positive story about New Zealand grown products, which is invaluable for our reputation.” Penno adds that it’s also an innovative way to extract greater yield and value for NZ growers from surplus produce. Currently 10 to 15% of kabocha grown in New Zealand is used for stock food.
Improves soil structure by adding calcium which is needed to flocculate clays in acid and alkaline soil Contains non acidic sulphur, an important nutrient in the production of green protein rich leaf material As a fertiliser CaSO4-2H2O is a pH neutral source of readily available calcium and sulphur Suppresses soil borne root disease such as armalleria which are often present in anaerobic soil conditions Prevents waterlogging of soil where high sodium, swelling clay and excess water result in drainage issues
For more about Natural Gypsum and soil stabilisation visit www.gypsum.co.nz
HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
9
Hort earnings tip Scales’ halfyear results SCALES COPRORATION, the owners of the country’s largest apple packing and marketing business, has reported an improved half year result. For six months ending June 30, the company made a net profit of $33.3 million, up 15% on the previous year. Despite challenges, Scale’s horticulture division delivered underlying gross earnings of $38m, $1m better than 2020. Scales owns the Mr Apple business, New Zealand’s largest grower, packer and marketer of apples. It grows apples on more than 1,100 hectares of orchards in the Hawke’s Bay. Mr Apple’s total halfyear export volumes are forecast to be 3.6 million tray carton equivalents (TCEs), a drop of 300,000 TCEs. Scales managing director Andy Borland says the horticulture division delivered a very strong performance – despite being impacted by a shortage of skilled RSE workers together with ongoing disruptions in
global markets and supply chains. He says volumes were affected by inclement weather in the key growing season. However, higher pricing offset these lower volumes – as well as the increased labour and shipping costs that were incurred. “We are cognisant of the need to focus on increasing labour cost and availability issues and, accordingly, are pleased to note that we have commenced a 10-year strategy to improve efficiency and returns through automation. The first step of this journey was the development of our new Whakatu coolstore, which has already delivered a number of efficiencies this year.” Scales’ other business divisions include food ingredients and logistics. Borland says the strategic value of Scales Logistics is significant. “During a period of global supply chain issues, together with a domestic shortage of refrigerated containers, Scales Logistics ensured all its
FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE THE SOLID half-year results have helped Scales Corporation upgrade its full year net profit guidance to be between $32 million and $37 million, Scales chair Tim Goodacre says the company still anticipates disruptions to domestic and international operations, including labour availability, global markets and supply chains due to the ripple effects of Covid-19. “This can be evidenced by the current lockdown in New Zealand,” he says. “However, we believe our diversified focus will go some way to mitigate these issues.” Goodacre adds that the company is aware that it cannot operate during lockdowns without its team, “and their health and safety will continue to be our foremost priority”.
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horticulture customers were able to ship their 2021 harvests. This expertise provides a significant strategic advantage to the group.”
Scales Corporation managing director Andy Borland.
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10
HORTNEWS
Sustainability a top priority for grower
SEPTEMBER 2021
Sudesh Kissun sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FOR ONE of the country’s largest vegetable growers, sustainable farming has always been a priority. Horowhenua-based family business, Woodhaven Gardens, has always tried to be sustainable “in the true sense of the word”, according to director, Emma Clarke. “For us, sustainability has been looking after all four pillars – environment, social, cultural, and economic,” she told Hort News. At the recent HortNZ conference, Woodhaven Gardens picked up the Environmental Award. On hand to receive the award was founder John Clarke and his children, Emma and Jay. The judges noted that Woodhaven Gardens are leaders in sustainable growing, investing significantly in reducing environmental impact, adopting a science-led • Family busines s established 19 approach that balances 78 • Annually, the bu conservation with comsiness sells 27 m illion individual vegeta mercial success. ble units – abou t 10% of the national supp “The Clarkes are ly • It contributes be leaders in research for tween $30–35 m illion to the vegetable industry NZ’s GDP. – contributing time, • Considered a le ader in research money and land in for the vegetable indust ry – contributing order to measure and time, money and land in order to measu provide evidence. re and provide evidence . “Their large• Located in the Horowhenua re scale fresh vegetable gion. growing operation is driving change in environmental riac to multiple awards both sustainability, shifting green and red cabbage, environmental and busigrowing areas to reduce broccoli, and lettuce. ness – yet we are unable nitrogen loss and mini“We do a naked vegeto get consent in our mise the impact on freshtable as well as pre-packregion due to the process water quality.” ing those products that being stalled yet again,” Woodhaven Gardens are highly vulnerable to she says. are no strangers to winThe 720ha Woodhaven shrinkage such as spinning awards; last year ach, silver beet and ChiGardens was established they were named the nese vegetables.” in 1978 and has been 2020 regional supreme Sustainability remains family owned and operwinner at the Horizons a work in progress, but ated since. Ballance Farm Environa lot of the “grunt work” Based just south of ment Awards, has been done. Emma Clarke says win- Levin on the fertile plains “Science in this space of the Horowhenua, it ning the recent HortNZ is progressing and we employs over 260 people Environment Award was are partnering with both at the peak of the Zucwonderful. However, she Massey University and chini season. points out that winning others to help progress Clarke says they grow multiple awards hasn’t some of this work,” she a full range of product – made vegetable growing adds. more than 20 different any easier. Woodhaven was the types of vegetable, rang“It is frustrating given first vegetable operation the fact we now have won ing from fennel and cele-
WOODHAVEN GARDENS
Woodhaven Gardens director Jay Clarke (left), HortNZ chair Barry O’Neill, Emma Clarke, managing director John Clarke and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor at the Hort awards night.
Woodhaven Gardens grows more than 21 types of vegetables.
in the country to roll out the New Zealand GAP Farm EMS programme – an independently audited farm plan based of scientifically proven best environmental farm practice. The business has effectively retired close to 20% of the farm to grass swales (riparian planting), as well as introducing
cut-and-carry grass and maize production. “A relatively small, unproductive part of the farm has been planted in pines, and we’ve now come up with a simple yet hugely effective way of dealing with our water discharge from our main wash-and-pack facility.” Looking forward, Clarke says sustainabil-
ity will remain a priority despite challenges facing them. She says they face many challenges, some unique to the horticulture sector and others that most businesses will face. Labour security, changing policy and compliance – both from central and local government, customer and supermar-
ket price expectation and lack of elasticity in an environment where production and operational costs are ballooning are some of the challenges on her list. “It is a changing climate and we are learning how to adapt our practises to maximise opportunities and to minimise adverse effects,” she says.
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12
HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
High quality data helps with better water management Richard Campion
IRRIGATION FOR horticulture has traditionally been used to supplement natural rainfall to ensure adequate growth and productivity from their crops. Given water shortages, water use efficiency is a priority for the industry. Efficient use of water technologies not only reduces energy use and saves production costs but also matches the crop’s water requirement, contributing to yield and quality improvements. Watermetrics stepped into cropping management in the 20/21 season by installing our equipment on kiwifruit in Gisborne, vineyards in Marlborough and potatoes in Mid Canterbury. By using our programmes, we made some encouraging progress in generating data to manage water and fertiliser applications. Firstly, we installed 800mm soil probes. These read both temperature and moisture at 100mm intervals and report in 15-minute timespans. The presentation of the lines on the graph gives a clear picture of where a water application has got to in the soil profile and any overwatering becomes obvious. This is beneficial in calculating the irrigation amounts so that water gets to the effective root zone. Secondly, we measured the water applications,
Efficient use of water not only reduces energy use and saves production costs, but also contributes to yield and quality improvements.
recording the amount and timing of the applications. Thirdly, we gathered comprehensive, paddockspecific climate information including rainfall collection. This equipment predicts the coming seven days weather including the important evapotranspiration. While it is great to have all this data, one needs to put it all together so that effective management decisions can be made. We used our partner Swan Systems to pull all this together and this
model provided many management advantages. Targets were set for nutrient levels at each growth stage and the programme could be used to record and modify applications as required. By connecting this with forecast weather and existing temperature, moisture and planned irrigation, we could define the appropriate time to make the correct applications. We defined the soil and its drainage and water-holding capacity, as well as the crops desired moisture levels at
each growth stage. Specific agronomic information such as midday stem water potential can be utilised in the settings. This information was gathered from the grower, the agronomist and related to the comprehensive nutrient and water information resident in the Swan programme. Any required adjustments for the specific variety or site were included. The Swan Systems programme then sets a water budget depending on water volumes able to be used. It calculates
the amounts of water required to meet the set targets and includes in this the predicted evapotranspiration and rainfall. It details the day and amounts to be applied, information that transfers to cell phones. A desired target was set for the root zone for moisture and allowed for an operating zone. The application issues warnings if you approach those limits outside the zone. Managers found it easy to stay within those limits and basically were able to keep the moisture close
to requirement. This takes moisture stress out of the equation, limits disease problems, and increases the crop’s ability to reach its potential, which is far less likely if fluctuations were allowed to occur. From the factual information gathered, you can see the effects of inadequate irrigation and the difficulty of getting it back to where it should be. The information generally meant earlier applications with less water than would have been normally applied. Comprehensive daily
data history can be printed out in PDF form. Analysis of this pinpoints mistakes and better ways of doing things for a future crop. We believe this application helps address many of the environmental/water problem areas in crop growing and contributes to water and cost savings as well as catering for optimal crop requirements. • Richard Campion is an agronomist at Watermetrics. Email richard.campion@ watermetrics.co.nz
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HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
More fruit and veg eaten NEW RESEARCH shows that more New Zealanders than ever are eating the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables. However, people are struggling to find the time to prepare fresh produce. The survey, conducted in June this year by independent research company NielsenIQ*, found 40% of Kiwis are getting at least five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Meanwhile, the 13% who only ate one serving in 2017 has decreased to just 9% of the population. Carmel Ireland, project manager at The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, which commissioned the research, is pleased with the increasing popularity of fresh produce. “It’s great to see New Zealanders are, on the whole, eating more fresh fruit and vegetables as they are proven to be one of the best sources of nutrition for all the whānau,” she says. Despite growing numbers enjoying the benefits of a diet high in fresh produce, the survey identified several hurdles that prevent shoppers from adding more fruit and vegetables to their supermarket trolley. “Since our last survey in 2017, the number of families concerned about
the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped significantly, while concerns about the time involved in food preparation is becoming a much more important factor for shoppers,” says Ireland. Even with rising inflation in NZ’s post-Covid economy, only 36% remain concerned about prices of fruit and vegetables, a drop of 12% since research conducted in 2017. Meanwhile, nearly 20% found they lacked the time to prepare or cut up fresh produce. “We’re seeing an increasing trend of timepoor families that have less and less time to prepare home-cooked meals with high quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Many of our retailers are recognising this change and producing ready-touse, pre-cut vegetable mixes to enable whānau to serve up easy, healthy dinners in a hurry,” Ireland adds. In addition to preparation time, storing fruit and vegetables is also a common concern for around 20% of shoppers. New Zealanders throw away an estimated $2.4 billion worth of food each year, much of it fresh produce that has gone to waste. “Meal planning is a great way to reduce your
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food waste and ensure you use up every bit of the groceries you’ve paid for each week,” says Ireland. “Weekend meal preparation is also growing in popularity as a smart habit to make sure you have nutritious meals every night of the week and don’t have to rely on takeaways when you’re stretched for time.”
Farmer Brad Burling and his daughter
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Growing pressures to operate in our changing environment places greater demands on resources. And just like water, time is something that farmers
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13
14
HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
Now the ‘Force’ can really be with you in the orchard Mark Daniel markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE RECENTLY introduced Trimax Force mower/mulcher is a multi-functional machine that can leave a quality finish on grass or deal with prunings in vineyards and orchards. Offered in working widths from 1.15 to 2.3 metres, the Force is designed to be operated with tractors from as little as 30hp right up to tractors of 90hp, which are typically found in horticultural situations. Weighing in between 590 and 900kg, the units feature a heavy-duty construction, including 50% thicker endplates compared to the Warlord S3 machine from which the Force originates. Offering a 0 to 60mm cutting height using heavy-duty flails. The cutting height is controlled with a heavyduty skid and roller system that can be adjusted independently, with the latter using sealed bearing units to minimise service downtime. At the heart of the machine is a replaceable internal liner used to protect the main impact zones of the cutting chamber. This move is said to offer around three times better durability than a more standard unprotected layout. Also, in the area of the rotor, new rotor bearing assemblies have resulted in a 35% increase in static and a 50% increase in dynamic load capacities.
Improved pruning guides funnel debris into the chopping rotor, resulting in a major reduction in post-mulching debris collection. A reversible headstock with Cat1, Cat2 and Cat2n compatibility, allows the unit to be front or rearmounted. Meanwhile, smoother exterior profiles greatly reduce the likelihood of getting snagged on vines or branches. Available as centremounted, or with left or right-hand offset capability, there is also a hydraulic offset available on selected models. The manufacturer also points out that a reduced distance from the edge of the cutting rotor to the overall extremity means it is easier to get closer to plants. Maintenance has been addressed by incorporating automated belt tensioning, easy access to grease nipples – without the need to remove guards – and the already mentioned sealed roller bearing units. A range of options include heavy duty liners for the chopping rotor, roller scrapers to remove clippings during mowing, and mulching counter blades to produce ultrafine mulch. More options include pruning rakes to collect and move material into the cutting area, while the LED road lights and triangle help improve safety. www.trimaxmowers. co.nz
The Trimax Force mower/mulcher can leave a quality finish on grass, as well as deal with prunings in vineyards and orchards.
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16
HORTNEWS
SEPTEMBER 2021
New onion windrower has all the right moves Mark Daniel markd@ruralnews.co.nz
GRIMME, THE manufacturer of specialist potato, beet and vegetable machinery for cultivation, planting and harvesting has released a new series of mounted WV vegetable windrowers. Available in working widths of 1.4m, 1.65m and 1.8m, the compact units feature a unique, springloaded bogie suspension system for fast, efficient and clean windrowing. Landpower sales and product support manager – GRIMME, Nigel Prattley says crop quality starts with a gentle lift and intake of the crop. “The WV gently lifts onions, cleans them on two main webs and then places them in an even swath on a consolidated surface, so that the crop can dry before storage.” Available as rubber or brush versions, the machine’s intake paddles are extremely flexible and move upwards to reduce the pressure on the crop if crop flow increases, while also preventing the crop from rolling back when the machine is lifted, thus maximising marketable crop yield. From the intake, the crop is transferred to the main webs for cleaning over first and second webs, which can be equipped with either mechanical or hydraulically-driven
GRIMME’s has recently released a new series of mounted WV vegetable windrowers.
adjustable agitators. Under the machine, the bogie system produces a level and firm ground surface to prevent onions from sinking back into the soil after discharge, via a PVC crop placement chute.
Each assembly consists of two support wheels and a bed roller, which maintains constant ground pressure without ‘bulldozing’ soil in front of the bed roller. “This allows the onions to dry more evenly
and helps to minimise the amount of soil taken into the machine during the second phase of the harvest process,” Parry explains. All models can be adapted to different harvesting conditions by
means of various intake units and other options, including a buffer bunker that prevents the loss of crop on the headland, while also providing more space for opening fields. @rural_news
ABOUT GRIMME
Founded in Damme, Germany, in 1861, the family owned Grimme employs more than 2700 people worldwide, marketing 150 different machines in 120 countries.
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