Growing for a better life

Yuzu, honeyberries, and a very special cold-tolerant tropical papaya are on the menu next March.

MOST New Zealanders have no idea what a yuzu is. That made the decision to grow them commercially a bad business plan, laughs Neville Chun. He and wife Junko are NZ’s largest producer of the rare citrus, and they’ll be showing off their block and it’s sell-out crop as part of the NZ Tree Crops annual conference in March.

The conference is being held in Otaki, and will include a range of block owners producing homegrown, specialist crops.

Field trips will visit properties throughout the Wellington-Horowhenua region growing blueberries, olives, yuzu, coldtolerant tropical papaya, honeyberries, and pinenuts.

Speakers at the conference include

Professor Jim Jones of Massey University’s Biochar Research Centre on biochar’s important role in sustaining soil fertility and hydration while aiding climate change.

Dr Craig Ross of Manaaki Whenua will address the fate of the 5% of New Zealand which constitutes the nation’s stock of elite soils, while Nick Ward (Ministry for Primary Industries) will address the vital importance of agricultural biosecurity.

Experienced Rongoā Māori Practioner Sharlene Maoate-Davis will introduce attendees to traditional Māori healing, focusing on its long-established use of plant remedies for health and well-being.