In August, farming co-operative Farmlands will open its first horticultural hub. It’s chosen Hastings as the site of the hub, despite what’s been a tricky few years for the horticultural sector in this region.
Even before Cyclone Gabrielle, indifferent weather affected the quality and volume of some crops across Hawke’s Bay with inevitable impacts upon the income of growers.
Post-cyclone, there remain unknowns about trees that survived the flooding of February, 2023 and the disease that could result from being submerged under water and silt.
Farmlands says it’s taken those factors into account and doesn’t believe it’s taking any kind of punt with its heavy investment in Hawke’s Bay. “Not at all. Hawkes Bay is incredibly important to NZ’s horticulture sector, and horticulture will remain incredibly important to New Zealand’s economy, now and in the future,’’ Farmlands chief executive Tanya Houghton said.
“The recent SOPI [Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries] report highlighted the potential of NZ horticulture, which is expected to make a very small 1% increase in 2024 but then to increase by 13% in 2025. This is due to ongoing strong performance in the kiwifruit and apples and pears sectors. Horticulture is growing in such a way that it is getting close to meat and wool as the country’s number-two export earner.
“The Hawke’s Bay horticulture sector contributes $1.2 billion annually to the economy and directly employs approximately 6,700 people in permanent roles, which is 8% of the total regional workforce,’’ said Houghton. “The goal of recent government plans is to enable the sector to grow around 20% above pre-cyclone 2030 forecasts, which would mean a projected Hawke’s Bay horticulture industry worth $2.5 billion in 2030.’’
Farmlands wouldn’t say exactly what it is spending on this new horticultural hub, indicating that, by purchasing an existing building at 7 Barnes Place, Twyford, its costs had been minimised.
In promoting its increased push into this region, Farmlands promotes itself as the “go-to Hawke’s Bay crop protection specialist.’’
That sounds good, but what does it actually mean?
“Crop protection has a significant impact on land-based industry as even a small increase in horticultural productivity can ripple positively throughout the economy,’’ says Chris Binns, Farmlands’ head of horticulture sales and strategy.
“Not only does crop protection have an important part to play in supporting the economy, it’s also vital for the production of safe food, as well as for protecting the environment. By managing damaging pests and diseases, and undertaking research and disposal, the responsible use of crop protection products is beneficial throughout the entire product’s life-cycle.’’
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