Wednesday, 06 December 2023 11:25

Geographical diversification

Written by  Nigel Malthus
Rockit Global says horticulture could transform the rural Canterbury landscape. Rockit Global says horticulture could transform the rural Canterbury landscape.

Rockit Global says horticulture has the potential to transform the rural Canterbury landscape over the next 20 years.

“Growing apples uses significantly less water, requires markedly lower nitrogen inputs than either dairy or arable production and, as a perennial crop, doesn’t require annual cultivation,” explains chairman John Loughlin.

General manager commercial Tom Lane says a key part of the company’s strategy was geographical diversification.

“Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne remain home for Rockit, but we are looking to ensure the longterm resilience of our growing footprint,” he told Hort News. “We are using climate scenario modelling to identify new growing regions and see Canterbury becoming a prime region for horticultural production in New Zealand in coming years.”

Welcoming the alliance with the Turleys, Lane says they have a well-deserved reputation as excellent growers at the forefront of innovation and diversification.

“We are proud to have them as our first commercial partner in the South Island.”

More like this

Rockit Global appoints COO

Rockit Global has appointed Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer as it continues its growth strategy into 2025.

Rockit announces new CEO

Snack-size apple producer Rockit Global Ltd has appointed Grant McBeath as its new chief executive officer.

Southern launchpad for Rockit

One of the power farming families of South Canterbury is branching out into orcharding with the establishment of a large apple orchard, near Rangitata.

Featured

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

People-first philosophy pays off

The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

From Nelson to Dairy Research: Amy Toughey’s Journey

Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter