Far North coffee growing trial tests potential for a premium export industry

Detailed summary

That’s according to (NZCPA), which is involved in new trials to prove whether a specialty coffee industry could take off as the countrys ...

Fifty coffee plants are being planted at five trial sites in the Far North.

Northland could become home to New Zealand’s next high-value industry – coffee growing – following in the footsteps of kiwifruit and avocados.

That’s according to New Zealand Coffee Producers Association (NZCPA), which is involved in new trials to prove whether a specialty coffee industry could take off as the country’s next export crop.

Fifty coffee plants are being planted at five trial sites in the Far North over spring as soil and air temperatures warm.

The trial sites span from Kaikohe to Pārengarenga Harbour, just south of Cape Rēinga, in partnership with “multiple” Māori landowners.

NZCPA chairman Peter Shepherd said two sites had already been planted and the remaining three would be planted before the end of the year.

“There are little microclimates elsewhere in New Zealand, but on a large scale, the Far North is the best place it would work.

“It’s the beginning of an exciting journey towards a new, high-value industry for our country.

“The ultimate aim is to identify the optimal conditions for growing coffee here and identify the best varieties of coffee so we can set up a strong, economically viable industry in Northland.”

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