Zespri is committed to kaitiakitanga – guardianship. This means nurturing the land for future generations and nourishing people across the world. One way to achieve this is through more sustainable orchard practices.
Zespri is pleased to have partnered with A Lighter Touch to explore an agroecological approach to crop protection. The aim is to support kiwifruit growers with more viable methods and tools to sustainably manage pests and diseases, and keep the industry ahead of the global trend shift in crop protection methods towards a less chemical-dependent future. By integrating natural biological and ecological processes into kiwifruit production, growers are able to achieve higher-quality, premium fruit that meet consumer and market demands without compromising crop yield and land for the future generations. This initiative aligns with Zespri’s sustainability commitment to growers, communities and the environment.
This partnership also connects the kiwifruit industry to the wider New Zealand primary food production sector and allows all participating sectors to leverage government co-funding. By combining expertise and resources, New Zealand’s horticulture, arable and wine sectors can deliver more impactful research in a shorter time.
Article by Jessie Bong, Innovation Specialist, Zespri International Ltd
