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Peanut growing trial could see big boost for Kaipara

 

 

thumbnail pic and declan-495Nelson-based company Pic’s Peanut Butter has kicked off a project to look at the feasibility of growing peanuts commercially in Northland, with backing from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The $91,000 project is led by Picot Productions, and MPI is contributing more than $59,000 through its Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund. Research expertise is being provided by Plant & Food Research.

The project will trial growing peanuts in three locations – Ruawai on a kumara farm, Poutu Peninsular near Dargaville, and on Maori land in the Kai Iwi Lakes district. If successful, peanut farming could bring new employment opportunities to the Northland region.

“We’ve selected three locations with different soil types and environments to see where the peanuts grow best,” says Declan Graham, Business Manager–Science at Plant & Food Research, which is managing the project trials.

“A soil temperature of around 18 degrees is ideal, so the window for getting the peanuts in the ground and harvesting them is small.”

The trial peanuts were planted in late October and are expected to be ready for harvest within 16 to 20 weeks. Spanish Hi Oleic peanuts, which have smaller kernels and reddish-brown skins, have been identified as the most appropriate cultivar for Northland conditions.

“This type of peanut is most widely used in confectionary and snacks, as well as peanut butter production,” says Mr Graham. “Their high oil content makes them ideal for crushing.”

Pic's Peanut Butter currently uses approximately 2,500 tonnes of peanuts each year.

Mr Graham says the team doesn’t expect the project to be plain sailing. They’ll need to deal with aspects like weed control and pests. “But of course, the proof will be in the tasting,” he says.

“It has always felt a little weird to be making an iconic New Zealand product with imported ingredients,” says Pic Picot, Picot Productions owner and founder. “These trials have the potential to make a very real difference to our carbon footprint and redirect the millions of dollars we spend on imported nuts to Northland, easily my second favourite region of New Zealand.”

In 2015, Pic’s ‘Big Toaster Tour’ visited Dargaville en-route from Bluff to North Cape. Mr Picot says that he, his dog Fido, and Amy the peanut butter fairy received an unforgettable welcome.

“We were treated like long lost whanau,” says Picot. “I can think of nothing finer than to help the Northland community establish a new industry.”

MPI Investment Programmes Director Steve Penno says MPI is excited to be involved in a project that could lead to a new industry in New Zealand and help boost the local Northland economy.

“This project fits perfectly with our goal of funding projects that will make a positive and lasting difference,” says Mr Penno.

“This project has the potential to lead to a new industry in Northland, which will bring new value into the region and create more jobs for New Zealanders.”

Kaipara mayor Dr Jason Smith says the team at the Kaipara Kai Hub have been supporting the MPI-led project from its early stages, with the initiative building on the Kai for Kaipara project research which concluded last year.

“We’re delighted to see these trial sites get off the ground in our District,” says mayor Smith. “It’s another one of many projects going on in Kaipara opening up further economic opportunities for our people and exploring ways land can be used to the best of its potential.

“It’s in Kaipara’s interest for it to be successful. We're looking forward to tasting some Kaipara grown peanut butter!"
 

About to go nuts in Northland, pictured is Declan Graham (left) with Pic Picot and his dog Fido. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

 

“This project fits perfectly with our goal of funding projects that will make a positive and lasting difference.”

- Steve Penno, MPI


 
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