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Black garlic, an ancient food that is slowly cooked to transform white garlic into a black, flavorful product, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. One New Zealand company, Neudorf Black, produces black garlic using a bespoke oven called DAVE. The process takes six weeks and results in a sweeter, umami-flavored garlic that can be used in a variety of dishes. Neudorf Black sources its white garlic from a local grower and focuses on using local ingredients in their products. The company has gained recognition for the quality of its black garlic and has expanded its product range to include items like black garlic purée, infused oil, and honey. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Neudorf Black has found success and is sold by 75 stockists throughout New Zealand. The owners, Noël and Teena Jelsma, are grateful for the support they have received from the Upper Moutere community and are proud to contribute to the region's reputation for high-quality food and beverages. [Extracted from the article]

Southern Paprika Ltd (SPL) in Warkworth, New Zealand, employs approximately 120 permanent staff, with a majority of them from Kiribati and Tuvalu. These workers are crucial for picking crops and pruning plants in the tropical conditions of the glasshouses. While Kiwi workers are not as interested in this work, SPL finds the investment in hiring RSE workers worth it for the reliable labor they provide. The company has a longstanding relationship with Kiribati and Tuvalu, and many of their staff have become permanent residents in Warkworth. The RSE workers contribute to the local community and economy, and SPL supports them by providing pastoral care and assisting with shipping containers filled with supplies and equipment to send back to their home countries. The RSE scheme has been successful, but there are challenges ahead, including changes in labor markets in the Pacific and the ongoing effects of natural disasters on crops. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of data sharing in the agricultural industry, specifically for apple orchardists in New Zealand. The use of high-quality data can increase value and consumer confidence, as well as benefit the sector in various ways. Geographic data and maps are becoming increasingly useful for farm planning and meeting industry requirements. The article also highlights the benefits of data collection during biosecurity responses and severe weather events. The development of a shared portal called the "Grower Hub" aims to improve data management and interactions for growers across multiple product groups. However, there is a need for greater industry-wide data standardization and a shift towards analysis and insights rather than just data collection. On-farm precision horticulture tools can also play a role in managing compliance data and supporting continuous improvement. [Extracted from the article]

New Zealand orchardists are designing orchards with 2-D structures to increase fruit tree yield and productivity, creating robot-ready orchards. However, the integration of robots into orchard operations may still be decades away. Scientists and growers are already implementing new orchard designs to accommodate robots, such as narrower row spacing and planar tree structures. While the development of robots for tasks like harvesting is complex and challenging, advancements in wearable technology may arrive sooner and assist with fruit quality assessment. The ideal future scenario would involve humans and machines working together in orchards. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history and development of the NZGAP (New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice) scheme, which certifies that producers can meet consumer expectations for safe and sustainable fruit and vegetable production in New Zealand. The scheme was designed by Russell Jordan, a grower, late one night on a sheet of gib board in his hallway. Over the years, the scheme has evolved to include food safety and has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. The article also mentions the upcoming 25th anniversary celebration of the first NZGAP certification. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the history and development of the NZGAP (New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice) certification, which is used by growers to meet market and regulatory requirements. The certification was first designed by Russell Jordan, a grower, late one night on a sheet of gib board. The NZGAP certification ensures the safe and sustainable production of fruit and vegetables in New Zealand and is recognized internationally. The article also mentions the upcoming celebration of 25 years since the first NZGAP certification. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential for adding value to vegetable crops in New Zealand. John Murphy, chairman of Vegetables NZ, believes that creating certainty around where vegetables can be grown will encourage innovation and value-added products. He mentions that New Zealand's fresh vegetables are nutritionally excellent and grown in environmentally responsible ways, making them ideal for adding further value. One example of adding value is through frozen fresh vegetables, which can extend shelf life and provide convenience for consumers. Murphy's own company has found success with a value-added product called black garlic. However, adding value can be costly and requires a willing retailer and consumers who value the product. The challenge now is to convince consumers to use black garlic more often. [Extracted from the article]

Carmel Ireland, project manager at United Fresh, discusses the positive aspects of working in the horticulture industry in New Zealand. She highlights the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables and emphasizes the importance of encouraging children to eat more of them. Carmel is involved in the Fruit in Schools program, which provides fruit to over 125,000 school students and staff each day. The program aims to address equity issues and normalize healthy snacking habits among children. An independent evaluation found that the program is effective in supporting a healthy school environment. Carmel also mentions the challenges of food insecurity in the community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined United Fresh in 2005 and is a strong advocate for women in horticulture. United Fresh has taken over the leadership of Women in Horticulture and plans to hold more events in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the positive aspects of working in the horticulture industry in New Zealand, particularly in relation to the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. The article highlights the Fruit in Schools (FIS) program, which provides fruit to over 125,000 school students and staff each day, helping to address equity issues and normalize healthy snacking. An independent evaluation found that FIS was the most effective initiative at supporting a healthy school environment. The article also mentions the Women in Horticulture group, which aims to support and empower women in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

New Zealand apple orchardists are transitioning to 2D trellis growing systems, leading to an increased demand for autonomous orchard vehicles. Robotics Plus and Croplands have partnered to bring the Robotics Plus Prospr multi-use autonomous vehicles to the Australian and New Zealand horticulture market. The Prospr vehicles are designed to increase efficiency and alleviate labor challenges, with features such as automated intelligent spraying. The vehicles can be operated by one person and are suitable for vineyards and tree crops. Treasury Wine Estates in Marlborough is among the first to use the Prospr machines commercially. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the need for sustainable and resilient forms of land use in response to increasing extreme weather events caused by climate change. Phoebe Scherer, a technical laboratory manager at Apata Group Limited, emphasizes the importance of building resilience into agricultural businesses due to the unpredictable growing seasons in the North Island of New Zealand. She also highlights the potential changes in land use that may result from climate change. The article also briefly mentions Phoebe's background in horticulture and her role at Apata Group Limited. [Extracted from the article]

"Today's horticulture industry leaders have one hell of a job. That is why they need the industry's support to deal with the volume and complexity of challenge and change that the industry faces," says Mick, who has retired after 45 years of diverse and active involvement in horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livia was appointed to the role in October. The gamechanging multi-year partnership programme between government and industry addresses the challenge of meeting consumer demands for quality food while also being gentle on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]