2023
creating low-waste and nature positive orchards by 2030
Evidence based educational tool to use across the horticulture sector in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
overview
The Ministry for the Environment and NZ Apples and Pears (NZAPI) commissioned the team at Circularity to undertake research and create a visual design of a future orchard in 2030 that incorporates low waste and nature-positive practices.
The horticulture industry operates in silos, with information gaps that identify collective sector goals for connection, soil health, regenerative practices and nature-positive outcomes. This visual design serves as a cross-sector tool to define goals, practices and outcomes for all.
goal
Identify opportunities to change practices on and off orchard to connect the wider horticulture industry to contributing towards low waste and nature positive orchards by 2030.
outcome
Through this work my team engaged the wider industry through interviews with growers, scientists, managers, retailers, innovation specialists and Māori representatives across the food system, undertook desk research and explored practices that could deliver ecosystem health, reduce harm and deliver prosperity to the industry. During this project, we mapped the current orchard systems and co-designed a vision for the future with NZAPI and industry contributors. Through this mahi, we identified:
— challenges of the current growing system
— opportunities for redesign
— practices with improved environmental, social and economic outcomes
The research showed there was a need for a holistic view of the role of an orchard in its community, the soil, the water and customers far and wide, in the future. Branching out from this, I co-designed this visual into seven on-orchard practices with up to four key benefits - environmental, economic, climate, social and cultural incorporating principles from Te Tiriti. NZAPI will use this visual design as a way to start a conversation about what a future orchard could look like with the industry – growers, packers, and marketers of apples and pears in domestic and export markets:
my role