2021 - 22 Northland Peanut Trials Final Technical Report
A report on the results of the peanut growing trials managed by Northland Inc over the 2021 - 22 season.
This Northland Peanut Trial project builds upon and extends on the outcomes and findings of the “2020 Sustainable Farming Fund” funded project looking at the ‘Feasibility of growing hi-oleic peanuts in Northland’. That project was led by Picot Productions and delivered by Northland Inc in partnership with Plant & Food Research and Manaaki Whenua- Landcare Research.
PROJECT SUMMARY
The project will run over three growing seasons and looks to test the commercial viability of growing hi-oleic peanuts in Taitokerau Northland, while building local understanding and identifying opportunities for future investment.
Year three (2023/24) of the trials will see six planting sites across Kaipara and the Far North, with an estimated 5 hectares of peanuts to be planted in October/November 2023.
To date the project has yielded promising results for the potential of a commercial peanut growing industry in Northland.
The project is led by Northland Inc with funding provided by Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Fibre Futures fund, Picot Productions, Northland Inc, and expertise from Plant & Food Research and Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. The upcoming Year Three trials will involve three iwi partners.
Project FUNDERS
SUPPORTING AGENCIES
PROJECT IMAGE GALLERY
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Water Trust Redhill site prior to planting.
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The team involved in planting.
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Peanuts being planted.
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Site planted and ready for growing.
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Peanuts growing prior to harvesting.
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Peanuts grow underground at the end of pegs from each flower.
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Threshing the peanuts involves digging them up and flipping so they can dry out.
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Harvesting the peanuts.
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Breeding a new generation of peanut farmers. Tyler Waters visits the site to watch the harvesting.
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Peanuts directly after the harvest.
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Mr Pic’s Peanut Butter joined us for the harvest.
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Peanuts drying before being delivered to Pics for processing.
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Peanuts after drying ready for delivery to Pics for processing.
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The Northland Inc team deliver peanuts to the Pic's Peanut Butter Factory.
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Peanuts going in to the oven for roasting.
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Peanuts being processed.
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Inside the Pics Peanut Butter Factory.
PROJECT TEAM
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Greg Hall
Project Manager
I moved up from Auckland over 6 years ago to enjoy the sunny North and settled on a 4ha lifestyle block near Ruakākā. Find out more
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Jeanette Johnstone
Horticulture Specialist, Tuputupu Grow Northland
A Northlander born and bred, I have spent most of my life living in the North. Find out more
IN THE NEWS
Media releases about the project
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Northland Peanut Trials to Return in 2023
The Northland Peanut Trials are back on track, following a washout of the 2022 crops. Year three of the trials will see five planting sites across Kaipara and the Far North, with an estimated 5 hectares of peanuts to be planted in October/November. Read more
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It’s crunch time in Kiwi-grown peanut trial
Local peanut butter maker Pic Picot is hopeful that outcomes of the Kiwi peanut crop will bring him one step closer to a 100 per cent New Zealand-made nutty spread. Read more
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Northland Peanut Industry Dream One Step Closer
A recent Government-backed project proved that peanuts can be grown successfully in Northland. Now, additional government funding is making the next step towards commercialisation possible. Read more
MEDIA COVERAGE
Radio & news websites
STUFF: Peanut butter company adds Kiwi-grown nuts to the mix
A story appearing on the Stuff.co.nz website.
RNZ: Looking for the perfect peanut...
A Radio New Zealand interview on the peanut trials with Project Manager Greg Hall.
TV NEWS STORIES
Rural Delivery
A project update filmed at the beginning of the Peanut Trials in Northland which appeared as part of the TVNZ television series called Rural Delivery.
See other episodes of the programme