ISHS Acta Horticulturae 694: International Symposium on Harnessing the Potential of Horticulture in the Asian-Pacific Region
ISN´T THAT AMAZING! THE VALUE OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE AND INNOVATION TO NEW ZEALAND |
| Authors: | E.W. Hewett, A.G. Aitken, J.P. Kerr, C.N. Hale, C. Nixon |
| Keywords: | Research investment, internal rate of return, plant breeding, KiwiGreen, fruit sorting machines, innovation, meeting market demand |
| Abstract:
New Zealand’s exports of horticultural products have increased from $200 million to over $2 billion during the past 20 years. Fruit, flowers and vegetables are now exported to over 100 countries. Work done in science and innovations in most varieties now exported have resulted in changed products and systems that have met market needs that also have changed over the intervening 20 years. Many changes have improved products, opened up new markets, improved environments and im¬pacted societal infrastructures. With the objective of developing some 15 case studies amenable to economic assessment topics, the team used a timeline technique to analyse progress from initiation through to the commercialisation of the technology, encompassing more than $1 billion of exports. In contrast to the perception held by some planners and decision makers that horticulture is to be a sunset industry, the analysis shows how, where and why science and innovation input creates value for the local and national economy and how New Zealand horticulture is at the cutting edge in many aspects of innovation, production, quality maintenance, distribution and marketing. A number of developments progressed through many stages to reach their present form. The work also provides examples where innovative foods have been developed and significant advances are emerging. Science and innovation has been vital in maintaining New Zealand’s global competitive position – but there is a need to have this basic premise more widely appreciated. | |
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