New Zealand needs to stay at the cutting edge of food production and lift its sustainability credentials

New Zealand needs to stay at the cutting edge of food production and lift its sustainability credentials. Ag Minister Damien O’Connor suggests one way is through a vertical farming venture that uses up to 95% less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. The government is putting $3.5 million into the project. Damien O’Connor visited Green Grower Ltd’s Vertical Farming facility at the Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton. Conventional horticulture is reliant on the weather playing ball and providing high volumes of water, whereas vertical farming is done indoors and can use up to 95% less water to grow produce in half the time. Green Grower co founder Tom Shuyte says they have put $5 million into the research programme and have now finished their initial trials. He says NZers have a more defined palate than overseas.