Going nuts in Northland

An initial feasibility study claimed that the industry could be worth millions to the region, with New Zealand companies importing tonnes of peanuts every year.

Now, additional government funding aims to take the project towards the possible commercialistion of growing peanuts in the north.

MPI is contributing nearly $700,000 to a new peanut growing trial via its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures). Meanwhile, an additional $300,000 in cash and in-kind support is coming from Northland Inc, Picot Productions, Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and local Northland landowners.

"The findings of a six month feasibility study supported through SFF Futures late last year were encouraging," says Steve Penno, MPI director of investment programmes. "This new project will build upon the initial findings to determine whether its financially viable to plant, harvet, and process peanuts at scale."

Northland Inc is taking the lead in the new project, which will run for 2 years.

"The peanuts will be grown at seven sites in Northland, across both the Kaipara and Far North districts, during the two-year life of the project," says Vaughan Cooper, general manager Investment & Infrastructure at Northland Inc.

"We hope for another successful outcome that will provide conclusive evidence that peanuts can be grown and harvested on a larger scale. This will give investors and Northland landowners, growers and farmers the confidence they need to diversify into peanut growing."

Cooper says while it's clear that returns are possible from peanuts, they also need to factor in the commercial equipment required for harvesting and drying.

"We'll be doing extensive economic modelling to determine whether the costs are worthwhile when producing peanuts at scale."

Penno says establishing a peanut industry in Northland would help diversify its regional economy, create employment both on-and-off farm, and support investment opportunities.

"It will also provide another crop rotation option for local landowners," he says. "Plus, we could eventually bring a 100% New Zealand grown and manufactured peanut butter to market. That's an exciting prospect."