Delivered by NZKGI and Zespri, the Optimising Kiwifruit Land Use – More from Less programme is a five-year, $47.87 million initiative supported by $19.14 million in Government funding, alongside investment from the kiwifruit industry and Zespri who will contribute a further $28.74 million combined cash and in-kind investment.
The programme is part of the Government’s Primary Sector Growth Fund and focuses on helping growers produce more value from existing land through innovation, science, and improved decision-making tools.
NZKGI CEO Colin Bond says the programme is an important step forward for grower confidence and industry growth.
“Growers are seeing strong global demand for New Zealand kiwifruit, and meeting that demand relies on having confidence in our ability to produce consistent, high-quality supply.”
“This programme is about giving growers the tools, science and insights they need to lift productivity, improve returns, and manage risk on orchard.”
The programme will deliver a range of innovations aimed at improving orchard performance, including new quality inspection technologies, more efficient production systems, enhanced vine management practices and advanced decision-support tools.
It also focuses on improving water and nutrient use efficiency, lifting fruit size and yield, and developing new approaches to pest and disease management, including alternatives for Psa control.
NZKGI Chair Whetu Rolleston says the programme reflects the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability.
“Kiwifruit growers are focused on producing world-class fruit while protecting the environments they operate in. This programme supports that by delivering practical, on-orchard solutions that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.”
A strong focus of the programme is ensuring productivity gains are achieved without increasing environmental impact, including reducing inputs and supporting lower-emissions production.
Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake says, “By lifting what we can produce from the land we already have, we expect to deliver more value back to growers and New Zealand, while ensuring we can meet strong global demand for premium kiwifruit.”
The programme brings together industry and Government to support long-term resilience and sustainable growth across the kiwifruit sector.
