February 2 2021
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Kaipara crop trials hold promise u by Paul Campbell
A quantum shift in Kaipara’s agricultural outlook may flow from a trial now underway to grow peanuts in the district with test beds planted in three locations — Ruawai, Te Kopuru and in the Kai Iwi Lakes district.
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The crop potential, which could see millions of dollars spent on imported nuts redirected locally, was identified in the Kaipara Kai ‘growing Kaipara’s future’ project as a potential new crop for the district. Now with the support of the Kaipara Kai Hub and Farmlands Dargaville, a $91,320 project is led by Picot Productions, makers of Pic’s Peanut Butter, while the Ministry of Primary Industries is contributing more than $59,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. Research expertise is being provided by Plant & Food Research. “It has always felt a little weird to be making an iconic New Zealand product with imported ingredients,” says Picot Productions owner and founder, Pic Picot. “These trials have the potential to make a very real difference to our carbon footprint and redirect the millions of dollars we spend on imported nuts to the Northland, easily my secondfavourite region of New Zealand.” “This is a great opportunity to take what was reported in the feasibility study to the next stage of developing and producing a new crop in the district,” said Kaipara Kai Hub manager, Matt Punter. “If successful, peanut farming could bring new employment opportunities to the district. Sites have been selected based on soil type and the environment, as soil temperatures of around 18 degrees are ideal.”
p Peanut butter maker, Pic Picot (left) and Declan Graham from Plant & Food inspecting peanut growing trials in the Kaipara
“The window for getting the peanuts in the ground and harvesting them is small,” says business manager science at Plant & Food Research, Declan Graham, who is managing the project trials. Peanuts at the Kaipara test sites were planted in late October and are expected to be ready for harvest within 16 to 20 weeks. Spanish Hi Oleic peanuts, which have smaller kernels and reddish-brown skins, have been identified as the most appropriate cultivar for local conditions. “This type of peanut is most widely used in confectionery and snacks, as well as peanut butter production,” said Mr Graham. “Their high oil content makes them ideal for crushing.”
In 2015, Pic’s Big Toaster Tour visited Dargaville en route from Bluff to North Cape and Mr Picot says they received an unforgettable welcome. “We were treated like long lost whanau,” says Picot. “We got a lot of attention at local tourist attraction the Kumara Box, sold every last jar we had at the Friday market, and were presented with two 50-year-old cans of toheroa soup. I can think of nothing finer than to help the community establish a new industry.” MPI investment programmes director, Steve Penno, says MPI is excited to be involved in a project that could lead to a new industry in New Zealand and help boost the local economy.
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