Vegetable Growing Continued
Commercial vegetable growing is an intensive farming activity which requires high inputs. However, the returns are very high with substantial benefits to local consumers and NZ economy.
New Zealand vegetable growers are represented generally by Horticulture New Zealand. On behalf of the vegetable growers Horticulture New Zealand produces ‘NZGrower’ magazine which transfers useful information. The Rural website also has some useful information on vegetable growing. Other industries such as Irrigation New Zealand also provide useful information and support to vegetable growers on irrigation matters.
What can you do to NZ’s sustainability?
Apart from vegetable growing as a lifestyle, farm profitability and environmental management should be the key factors to sustain vegetable production and New Zealand economy. To maintain or improve profitability, performance of vegetable and soil is crucial for which nutrients, water, and soil conditioners (e.g. lime) and pest management are key components. Long-term profitability could also improve with energy efficient practices. Water and land have to be managed to avoid or minimise any damage.
Therefore as a vegetable grower your main focus should be efficient, effective and proactive management of
- Profitability
- Vegetable performance
- Soil
- Nutrients
- Water
- Pests and
- Energy