In 2025, the Fong family marks 75 years since Allan and Colin Fong's father began growing vegetables commercially in Pukekohe, New Zealand. Over the decades, the family business has expanded significantly—from just over five hectares to approximately 255 hectares—and has continually adapted to shifts in consumer preferences and market demands, including being among the first in New Zealand to introduce mesclun salads.
Despite this legacy of adaptation and innovation, current challenges have raised concerns about the future of commercial vegetable production in New Zealand. Allan Fong, a long-time grower, is supporting Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) call for increased government support to ensure vegetable production remains viable under mounting regulatory requirements.
HortNZ is advocating for the creation of a National Environmental Standard that would allow vegetable growing to be a permitted activity, provided growers implement good management practices. According to the organisation, suitable land for production is limited by climate and soil conditions, and without such a standard, land-use restrictions could lead to reduced production capacity and rising vegetable prices.
Fong highlighted past examples of government recognition of the sector's importance, particularly during World War II. In 1943, the government encouraged the formation of the New Zealand Chinese Federation of Growers (NZCFG) to support the wartime food supply. Chinese growers significantly increased vegetable production during that period, and the NZCFG remains active today, promoting sustainable practices and supporting its members.
Chinese growers have also contributed to diversifying New Zealand's vegetable offerings by introducing crops such as bok choy, daikon, and bitter melon, which are now commonly found in local diets.
Today, growers face new challenges, particularly proposed regulations related to nitrogen runoff. Fong stressed the impact of increased compliance costs and the difficulty growers face in absorbing these costs in a volatile supply-and-demand-driven market. He said the economic pressures, including limited access to land and environmental compliance, are constraining the ability of growers to maintain production at affordable consumer prices.
The Fong family's history reflects broader shifts in the sector. Allan joined the family farm in 1976 and later expanded operations with his brother Colin, including diversifying crops and adopting new methods. In 2000, Allan and fellow grower Raymond Jivan began producing baby leaf salads after observing trends abroad.
Today, the Fongs employ 80 permanent staff and grow a wide range of crops, including cos lettuce, stem broccoli, baby spinach, coriander, and various Asian greens. However, Allan Fong cautions that the sector's continued adaptability depends on policy support and access to productive land.
"Without sufficient land and a supportive regulatory environment, growers may struggle to meet future supply needs, particularly during adverse weather events," he said.
For more information:
Horticulture New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0) 4 472 3795
Email: [email protected]
www.hortnz.co.nz