Next Generation Viticulture: Capture more light to harvest more grapes
Transforming canopy management systems to maximise sunlight could increase vineyard profitability without compromising wine quality, says researchers.
The Senior Lecturer at Otago Polytechnic began her own career at the school in 1996, when she began her diploma in horticulture, before joining the newly planted Akarua Winery in Central Otago.
It evolved from there to vineyard management at Prophet’s Rock, then soil moisture monitoring across the region, which took her to myriad organic and biodynamic vineyards, and revealed the “amazing” variations in soils from block to block, she says. “Literally over the fence.”
The work connected her to a wealth of contacts in the industry, and when Rachel returned to Otago Polytechnic in 2016, that proved useful in attracting wine workers to study. She’s also tapped into her experience in the field to help craft a course suited to industry and student needs, including work-based study that ensures students are engaged and expanding on their learning alongside experienced industry leaders, Rachel says.
There are currently 40 in-work learners undertaking the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Fruit Production, level 4) while employed on commercial orchards or vineyards - mostly in Central Otago. Their backgrounds range from machinery operators and assistant managers to winery hands and staff in organic and biodynamic operations, Rachel says.
Te Pūkenga/Otago Polytechnic launched a new programme pathway this year, aimed at refining winegrowing and fruit production skills. Designed for those already working in the horticulture and viticulture fields, the New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5) is taught at night and online, and organised to accommodate seasonal pressures.
“There are so many growers crying out for vineyard managers, assistant managers and key machinery operators,” Rachel says, welcoming an influx of practical people, including those who have worked in vineyards and orchards for many years, but don’t know “the whys” of what they are doing. “What’s going on inside a plant and why do they react to certain conditions?”
Otago Polytechnic is now part of Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.
