According to Zespri, the kiwifruit industry has exceeded the first-year requirements under the New Zealand government’s primary sector partnership on climate action, He Waka Eke Noa.
In its latest Kiwiflier update, the kiwifruit co-op said that He Waka Eke Noa was designed to support the decarbonisation of New Zealand’s primary sector and in 2021 required 25 percent of large growers, those over 80ha, to know the carbon impact of fertiliser use within their operations and have a plan to reduce it.
“A small number of grower entities were subject to the requirements and worked together with New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and Zespri to develop the knowledge and systems needed to show the kiwifruit industry’s commitment to playing its part,” Zespri said.
“Over 60 percent identified their carbon impact, while more than 30 percent developed a reduction plan, exceeding both requirements. This effort reflects the connection growers have to kaitiakitanga and the role environmental stewardship plays in securing the future of our industry.”
