Potential for horticulture on the West Coast of South Island New Zealand

Abstract

The frame of reference for this study lies within the term potential. We have left out any reference to the term industry because this implies knowledge of economic and social aspects of an area whereas our expertise lies mainly within the agronomic aspects. 1.1. Definition of Horticulture Our interpretation of this project is to answer the question - Does the West Coast have the ability to produce horticultural crops within the framework of existing physical and climatic parameters? Horticulture is defined as the production by intensive means of fruit, vegetables, flowers and nursery stock both in the open and under protection. We have therefore two categories of production: A. Unprotected broad acre cropping, the success of which is related to the macro-environment. B. Protected often containerised production where constraints imposed by the macro-environment are minimised. Horticulture production is also very closely associated with population and it is most unusual for an area not to have some horticulture production regardless of the macroenvironment in the area. The West Coast is therefore unique in that a sizeable and isolated population is dependent almost entirely for its vegetables and fruit on "Over the Hill" supplies. The first question to answer in this report is therefore one concerning, why the West Coast does not support a local horticulture industry.