A project to boost vegetable growers’ efforts to care for the health of the environment while supplying fresh, healthy
food, has received $4.7 million in government backing from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
The funding adds to the $2.8 million already invested by industry into Sustainable Vegetable Systems, a four-year project, focused on improving crop nutrient management for the growing of potatoes, onions, brassicas,
butternut squash, carrots, and leafy greens.
MPI is investing in the project from the Productive and Sustainable Land Use package, which promotes farming and growing practices that deliver more value and improved environmental outcomes.
The project was established by Potatoes NZ, partnering with Horticulture New Zealand and vegetable groups Onions New
Zealand, Vegetables New Zealand, Processed Vegetables New Zealand, and NZ Buttercup Squash, under their umbrella of the Vegetable Research and Innovation Board.
“This project will give growers the ability to accurately manage nutrient flows, while meeting demand for quality
produce, meaning better environmental outcomes,” said Potatoes NZ CEO, Chris Claridge.
MPI’s Director for Land, Water and Climate Policy, Charlotte Denny, said having robust tools to measure their
environmental impact will help growers operate more efficiently, and reduce nitrate leaching.
“This is an important industry-led programme, and the scientific data gathered will inform and help develop decision
tools for growers to support more sustainable growing practices”, Charlotte Denny said.
Plant & Food Research is undertaking the work to quantify and model nitrate leaching. The project will engage with vegetable
growers around New Zealand, providing tools to help them apply effective nitrate management techniques suited to their
land and operations.
The Sustainable Vegetable Systems project will have nine commercial field sites across the country in Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua, Waikato and
Pukekohe as well as trials at Plant & Food Research facilities in Lincoln and Hawke’s Bay.
Chris Claridge said this project will give the vegetable growing sector improved tools to estimate nitrate leaching, an
area where the sector is currently underserved.
“This project will enable growers to assess which management techniques will best reduce their risk of nitrate leaching,
so they can confidently make changes in practice,” Chris Claridge said.
David Hadfield, Chair of the VR Board says that the Board, and the vegetable product groups it represents, strongly advocate for science that supports
vegetable growers to build on their current knowledge, and improve their monitoring and management of nitrate leaching.
“This work will underpin the ability of vegetable growers to keep producing fresh healthy vegetables using the most
sustainable approaches,” David Hadfield said.
“Ultimately, this will ensure a more prosperous, vibrant and sustainable New Zealand for many generations to come.”