Canterbury Process and Fresh Vegetables
Model Description
This commentary-only report examines the production and profitability of growing process and fresh vegetable crops, and the processing and exporting companies in Canterbury during 1999/2000. Most process crops and increasingly more fresh vegetable crops are grown on intensive arable farms throughout Canterbury, represented by the Canterbury Arable model. A good irrigation system is required to secure contracts for most crops. These farmers grow a range of crops in rotation to minimise the risks of disease carryover, weed infestation problems, and to spread climatic and production risks. Furthermore, rotations and other techniques such as pasture phases, stock grazing, green manure crops, and reduced cultivation practices are employed by farmers to sustain the productive capability of the land over time.
Key Points
- This season has been variable, with a warm, dry early spring followed by cooler, wetter conditions for the rest of the spring and summer.
- This resulted in an increase in disease pressure, lower yields and quality for some crops, particularly peas, beans and corn.
- There were similar areas grown and prices paid for the main process crops grown in Canterbury this year, with a similar situation expected next year.
- Prices received by growers for fresh onions and potatoes have been depressed with returns often below the costs of production, which has resulted in some crops not being harvested.
- Given all these variables, the returns to individual growers for the 1999/2000 season has been very dependent on individual circumstances and the particular crops grown.
Physical Factors
This season has had an average overall rainfall, although periods of very wet conditions were experienced. The wet, early winter helped to alleviate the previous season's drought conditions. This was followed by a relatively dry early spring that provided ideal conditions for cultivation and sowing. Above average rainfall was experienced in November in Mid and South Canterbury and more significantly in January throughout Canterbury. This rain and lack of sunshine caused delays in harvesting, as well as affecting the quality and yields of process crops grown later in the season, especially peas. However, the wet season did mean that irrigation was required less frequently and dryland vegetable crops had higher than average yields.
Temperatures in spring were slightly warmer than average, which resulted in good conditions for crop emergence and early plant growth. However, summer temperatures were below average, resulting in slower crop development for many crops. Crops requiring higher heat units such as sweetcorn and beans were considerably behind in their development, with the final yields being below average as a result. A slightly warmer autumn and later frosts balanced some of the impacts of this cooler summer. This enabled many crops to achieve maturity, which was not looking likely at the end of February.
There are three main vegetable processing operators in Canterbury - Heinz-Wattie Australasia in Christchurch (frozen and dehydrated peas, carrots, beans), McCain Foods in Timaru (frozen potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, carrots) and Talley's in Ashburton (frozen peas, potatoes, beans). These companies contracted similar areas of the same types of crops as they had in previous years. A smaller volume, but typically larger range of crops, is procured by the smaller processing companies such as Hort Marketing in Ashburton and Only Organic in Christchurch (e.g., squash, onions, asparagus).
The process potato area has increased from the previous year (which was approximately 1,500 ha) with McCain Foods (NZ) Ltd expanding their factory in Timaru with the addition of a new potato store that can hold 12,000 tonnes. Generally, the season was favourable for above average potato yields, although the wet summer did lead to increased disease and an increase in the use of chemical inputs. Mild nights during the autumn have been favourable for maintaining potato quality prior to harvest and for harvesting.
The area sown in process peas throughout Canterbury was slightly higher than last year, when it was estimated at being approximately 6,500 ha. However, the total harvested tonnage is estimated to be similar to last year due to the difficult growing season. Early season crop quality and yield were generally above average. The heavy rain in January and later months and overcast conditions led to an increase in diseases such as ascochyta and mildew. Flowering was also disrupted. This led to decreased yields and generally lower product quality with poor colour and shrivelling problems.
Broad beans are typically the first process crop harvested in Canterbury. Yields and quality were both excellent, reflecting the warm spring growing conditions. Green and yellow bean crops, which are harvested in late summer, had lower than average yields and quality as they also suffered from the cooler, wet conditions at this time.
The area sown in carrots for processing was similar to last year, while a greater area was sown for the fresh export market. Crop yields and quality for both crops was reported as being average to above average. The drier, warmer conditions in autumn have helped with late maturing crops and harvesting.
The area sown in onions has increased significantly from 1998/99. A Vegfed grower survey reported that there were approximately 700 ha of onions sown in Canterbury in the 1999/2000 year although industry sources suggest that over 1,000 ha was closer to the true area. The cooler, wetter conditions resulted in greater disease pressure and some varieties, mainly red types, tended to bolt. Field curing was prolonged due to the damp conditions, which had an impact on the final crop quality.
A slightly larger volume of potato seed was sown in Canterbury this season, reflecting the interest of many growers in servicing the fresh export markets. The favourable growing conditions have led to above-average yields of good quality potatoes for both irrigated and dryland crops. This has led to an over-supply of the domestic market and depressed prices for both local and export markets.
The production area for asparagus has remained at a similar level as last year (approximately 140ÿha). The production volume increased slightly as a result of new, higher yielding varieties coming into full production. The cooler season meant that harvest was delayed, but continued until close to Christmas. Quality was generally good.
Approximately 650-700 ha of organic process vegetables are grown throughout Canterbury. The area has remained at a similar level to last year with process crops of peas, sweetcorn, squash and potatoes being grown. Processors report difficulties in obtaining enough organic crop area to service market demands. The wet season has resulted in greater weed and disease pressure, which in some situations has been difficult to manage using organic techniques. Small volumes of fresh organic onions, carrots and potatoes were also exported.
There was again only one licensed grower for the fresh export of squash, although a number of other growers were contracted for the production of organic and conventionally grown squash for processing.
Small volumes of fresh beans, sweetcorn and other minor crops were exported from Canterbury.
Source: NIWA
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