Reality check: Nut crops

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Nut crops tend to appeal to lifestyle-block owners because they are less "hands-on" than many perishable crops and New Zealand's nut industry has developed out of small plantings on lifestyle blocks.

Murray Redpath is national president of the Tree Crops Association and has a 575ha farming venture in the Eastern Bay of Plenty where his crops include timber, nuts and animal fodder. He has grown and researched hazelnuts since 1982 and has 30 selections on his land.

He tells how the association researched and promoted the development of walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and macadamia crops about 30 years ago.

Trials selected the best varieties from local selections and imported varieties. As these early plantings reached commercial production levels, separate organisations were formed.

Initially, the attraction of nut crops was the concept that they were "easy care", but the "reality is that commercial orchards do require the normal pruning and management operations to produce high yields of commercial quality nuts," says Mr Redpath. "But they still have the appeal of producing a crop that can be easily dried and stored to be sold over the following year." Another selling point of nuts is that they are a source of high energy and a heart-friendly nutritious food. They have similar benefits to olive oil but with the added benefits of high protein levels, good balance of protein to carbohydrate, and high antioxidant levels. Unlike most fruit, most of the nut crops are harvested when they start dropping and immediate harvest is not essential.

There are exceptions, such as walnuts, but in general nut crops are likely to suit a small-block lifestyle better than perishable crops. "The size of planting required to be economic depends on your location and the intended selling options," Redpath says. "If you happen to live close to a nut-processing plant then selling your dried product will be easier than if you have to install your own cracker. You will probably need a building of commercial kitchen standard if you plan to sell to the public." The type of nut landowners grow depends both on their preference and the local climate. "While many of these nut species grow throughout most of New Zealand, you will grow them profitably only if you have a suitable climate and good quality soils."

Macadamias are sub-tropical and not suited to areas with frosts. Almonds and walnuts prefer a mild dry climate, hazels a moister climate.

To help decide on suitable options, contact the local branch of the Tree Crops Association at www.treecrops.org.nz.

The branches hold regular field days. Advice on growing individual crops commercially can be found on the websites of commercial nut organisations (Google the nut name and New Zealand).