Traditionally known as a dairying region, a recent assessment of Taranaki’s land and climate has identified 270,000 hectares of land suitable for horticulture.
Research into the land’s horticultural viability is part of the Branching Out project blueprints commissioned and published by regional development agency, Venture Taranaki, which promotes nine new food and fibre investment opportunities for the district. The investment blueprints encompass innovation and growth, market potential and a path for the region to leverage its untapped food and fibre potential.
The blueprints focus on nine opportunities: kiwifruit and avocados – to diversify the region’s existing food and fibre industries – gin botanicals, grains, legumes and vegetables, hemp fibre for construction, hops, medicinal plants, sheep dairy and trees (including their value chains).
Launched in July, the blueprints contain details about sector opportunities and drivers of growth, required growing conditions, crop management, value chain development, financial assessments, and potential impact for the region – economically, socially, and environmentally.
For more information: venture.org.nz