Good potential for nut products

Press, 24 April 1987, Page 27

Good potential for nut products

A commercial nut industry could be viable and valuable to New Zealand if bandied correctly, according to a Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries scientist, Mr David Ryde. The quality of locally produced nuts is often better than those grown overseas, and potential exists for off-season exports, especially to Northern Hemisphere countries, Mr Ryde said. “We are a small con-

sumer of nuts per capita by world standards but there is a growing trend for nuts in confectionery, baking and food generally.” While large quantities of nuts are sold casually around the country, most commercial nuts are imported and generally not high quality, Mr Ryde told a horticultural trade seminar in Christchurch. The potential for nut products is untapped, Mr Ryde said, and little effort has been made to develop local or export markets. Nut products have many uses and are found in abrasive papers and materials, cellulose, chemicals, disinfectants, emulsions, fat extenders, lubricating oils, and several other commodities. Walnuts, chestnuts and hazel nuts are the highest potential earners for New Zealand, Mr Ryde said. The local demand for walnut shells for abrasive papers is not being met, he said. Chestnut blight, a major problem overseas, is not found in New Zealand, and many countries prohibit chestnut imports. In New Zealand, chestnut trees have a life expectancy of about 100 years compared to between 10 and 20 years in Japan. Macadamia nuts, pecans and almonds could also be grown successfully in northern regions, but oversupply could be a problem, he said. At present the local industry consists mainly of backyard growers and a few rural plots of around 20 trees.

“Most of the expertise in nut growing comes from Tree Crop Association people who tend to specialise,” Mr Ryde said. "We are looking at starting a new industry, and many areas from cultivar selection, soil manangement, mechanical handling, processing and sales and marketing have to be looked at carefully.” Nut growing should be perceived as an industry in its own right, with management at least up to the standards required in fruit orchards. Mr Ryde said even though the industry has huge potential, organisers must do their homework and plan carefully.