T&G Global and Zespri have partnered with Plant & Food Research and other industry partners on a new project to research, develop, define and promote sustainable and regenerative horticulture practices within the New Zealand kiwi, apple and berry industries.

Phase one of the project, which is partially funded through the Sustainable Food and Fiber Futures Fund of the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), will involve an exploration of regenerative practices and market analysis.

The goal is then to move to a longer-term research program that includes scientific and market validation, along with the implementation of scientific and farmer-supported practices in regenerative horticulture.

T&G Global CEO Gareth Edgecombe said the project is cutting edge and very exciting for the industry.

“Sustainable food production is at the heart of the horticultural sector in Aotearoa, New Zealand. For generations, we have grown premium, fresh and healthy produce for consumers around the world, evolving our practices as our knowledge grows and consumer needs change, ”Edgecombe said.

“We know that there is always more we can do to be better. And with consumers and businesses looking to consume and produce food that enhances, enhances and supports the environment in which we grow, we, along with Zespri and Plant & Food Research, want to validate and promote regenerative horticulture practices at Aotearoa.

“While much global research has been done on regenerative agricultural practices, the same cannot be said for horticulture, which is nuanced and based on continuous research and innovation in growing practices, pest and disease management, and cultivation practices. orchard management. With our nation's interconnected relationship with our land, natural resources, people and products, it is vital that we understand what regenerative horticulture means for Aotearoa, and for our brands and fresh produce in the global marketplace. "

Zespri has a strong commitment to sustainable practice, said Rachel Depree, Zespri's executive director of sustainability, and the project represents an important opportunity to explore what the concept of regenerative horticulture could mean for the kiwi industry.

"Our market research also indicates that consumers are increasingly interested in the idea of ​​regeneration," Depree said.

“As an industry, we already focus on soil health, water quality, and carbon management, all of which contribute to a food system that supports the environment while producing healthy, high-quality kiwifruit for consumers in the United States. all the world.

“It is important that we understand how these practices tie into this emerging concept of regenerative horticulture and what value there is in this for our consumers and growers.”

The first year of the project is currently underway and is focused on conducting scientific research on what is known about regenerative practices. In parallel, market analysis will be conducted to understand consumer perceptions and drivers. This will include working with kiwi and growers to collaborate and build a widely accepted definition of regenerative horticulture for the industry.

Opportunities will be identified, as well as the development of a robust measurement and validation process, which will then take the project to the next phase.

Plant & Food Research's Brent Clothier noted that regenerative agriculture means different things to different people and that it was important to put global principles in the context of Aotearoa / New Zealand.

“In general, our producers are well connected with what their land needs to produce high yields and high quality. For Aotearoa, regenerative horticulture is also about better engagement with workers, bonding with communities, and the principles of Te Taiao and the mātauranga that sustains it, ”said Clothier.

“If our industry wants to remain competitive in the global marketplace, it is important that we use scientific analysis to quantify the impact of our horticultural practices on the land and long-term soil health and align our practices and reporting with what you expect the consumer. of our top-quality products.”