Oz tomato seed imports banned
Biosecurity New Zealand has placed import restrictions on tomato seed imports from Australia after the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus at two South Australian growing properties.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Most tomatoes are now cultivated in advanced greenhouse environments and this beloved and versatile fruit is grown with minimal environmental impact.
Greenhouse-grown tomatoes require as little as six litres of water to produce one kilogramme of fruit, saving approximately 200 litres compared to traditional outdooring growing methods. To achieve this, greenhouses collect and use their own rainwater for irrigation and treat and recycle water back into their operation.
Natural pollination is another key aspect of the sustainable approach. Bumblebees, introduced in hive boxes, handle pollination within the greenhouses. Additionally, growers are increasingly adopting biological pest management techniques, minimising the need for chemical pesticides.
While many greenhouses are heated for parts of the year, an increasing number of growers don’t use heating. As an industry, tomato growers are committed to decarbonising by 2037 with many growers already turning to reusable energy sources.
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust says that this means New Zealand consumers can enjoy tomatoes that are produced with a lower environmental footprint. These practices reflect a growing commitment by the country's tomato industry to offer products that are both high in quality and sustainability.
Tomatoes are not just eco-friendly, they are also packed with health benefits. They are a good source of vitamin C, making them a valuable addition to your 5+ A Day.
“For men, in particular, tomatoes offer an extra advantage, they are the richest natural source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to prostate health. Lycopene is also responsible for giving tomatoes their signature red hue,” it says.
More locally grown tomatoes are coming to stores this month and you can thank New Zealand greenhouses for that.
Changing skill demands and new job opportunities in the primary sector have prompted Massey University to create a new degree course and add a significant major into another in 2025.
It was bringing in a new Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) show board, more in tune with the CAPA general committee, that has ensured that Christchurch will have a show this year, says CAPA general committee president Bryce Murray.
OPINION: Hats off to our pipfruit sector.
There is an urgent need for the Government to put a limit on the sale of farms for forestry - particularly for carbon farming.
A North Canterbury farmer has been elected as the first chair of Aotearoa New Zealand Catchment Communities (ANZCC).
OPINION: Was the ASB Economic Weekly throwing shade on Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr when reporting on his speech in…
OPINION: A reader recently had a shot at the various armchair critics that she judged to be more than a…