Arable Land Use in the Gisborne District Summer Crop Survey

Transcription

1 Arable Land Use in the Gisborne District Summer Crop Survey Summer Season 2015/2016 GDC Science Report 4/2016

2 CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction Methods Results Crop Types Pasture/Unused Maize/Sweetcorn Grapes Squash Citrus Kiwifruit Fodder Crops Pip and Stone-fruit Tomatoes Minor crops & Processing Vegetables Gisborne Region Small Area Analysis Patutahi (Repongaere/Knight Roads) Discussion Crop Survey Area Digitising Crop Trends and Characteristics Market Forces Water Demand and Crops Limitations & Benefits References Figures Tables

3 1.0 Introduction Gisborne District Council has completed a survey of the actual land use of the total arable land in the Gisborne District for the 2015/2016 summer season. The surveyed area is 23, hectares. This report outlines the trends and observations arising from the land use survey in the 2015/2016 season. The 2015/2016 season s survey followed the methods used in previous summer crop surveys, and, also incorporates the arable land which extends up the East Coast. The survey is being carried out to provide information on the area and types of crops that have been grown throughout the region. This data will then be used to assist in the management of the region s physical resources. Water demand for irrigation can also be forecasted which will assist in water quantity management. Figure 1: Sweetcorn and melons grown at Ormond. 2

4 Figure 2: Aerial orthophoto showing average extent of area surveyed The survey area is shown in Figure 2 extends south to Muriwai, covers north to Whatatutu, and northwest to Motu. The survey continues up the coast of the Gisborne region, including Whangara, Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria and Tikitiki, going as far as Whakaangiangi Road near Te Araroa. 3

5 2. Methods The summer crop survey was conducted at the beginning of January 2016, the same time of year as the previous survey. January is generally the beginning of the harvesting period which can extend through to April for many vegetables. Kohlrabi is not included in the survey because these crops are harvested in winter. It is important to note that vegetables such as peas are harvested in November and December and are usually processed by the time the survey begins. A similar survey method was used as previous year s surveys. Data was collected by systematically driving throughout the Poverty Bay Flats and manually recording observed crop types onto aerial photos. Crops were then identified and marked on the maps with a letter to denote each different crop. Photos were taken of crops that were difficult to identify, allowing for the image to be amplified and identified later in the officer. Difficulties associated with crop identification were often a result of the distance from the road and site restrictions (e.g. shelter belts and other crops). The survey began on 6 th January and finished on 26 th January Once the field work was completed, the data was digitised and the total area of each crop was able to be calculated. More extensive data collection has taken place in the 2014/15 and 2015/16 surveys by incorporating all the arable land around the wider Gisborne region, including the Poverty Bay Flats, Motu, Matawai, Whangara, Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, and Tikitiki. The precision of data analysis has been improved by digitising at a smaller scale compared to previous years, allowing greater accuracy in identifying the boundaries of each paddock and removing houses, sheds, patches of bush and other obstructions from mapped areas. 3. Results The results and discussion section compares trends and observations of major crop types across the last six summer seasons. The most common crop types for the Gisborne Region observed include: Pasture/Unused land Maize/Sweetcorn Grapes Squash Citrus Kiwifruit Pip & Stonefruit Lucerne and Plantain In 2015/16 the total area of land included in the survey was 23, hectares. This comprised of; 35.42% of pasture/unused land; 27.7% maize and sweetcorn; 9.7% squash; 4

6 and 7.7% grapes. Fodder crops account for 5.5% of the total crops in the Gisborne region. The results for Lucerne and plantain are included in fodder crops. This is the second year to extend the survey beyond the Poverty Bay Flats, therefore, the results section of this report differentiates between data gathered from the Poverty Bay Flats and data gathered from the wider region. This ensures relevant and accurate conclusions are drawn when discussing changing land-use in the Poverty Bay Flats area. The Arable Land Use in the Gisborne District Report ( ), made comparisons between data, so to avoid repetition this report will focus on fresh trends and observations of major and minor crop types that are presented by the data. The survey area of the Poverty Bay Flats in the 2015/16 season was 17, ha, a slight reduction the area surveyed in 2014/15 of 17, ha. A small area analysis of a defined area within the Poverty Bay Flats was also undertaken. This analysis identified prevalent crop types in this area, differences or similarities between this small area and cropping patterns in the Poverty Bay Flats. The analysis used the GIS data taken from crop surveys 2007/08 survey through to 2015/ Crop Types This survey used the same format for crop types as previous years. The identification of pasture followed the practice of previous surveys that referred to pasture and grass as a crop type named pasture/unused. This practice continued even though the 2015/2016 survey did not differentiate between unused land, meaning land that was fallow, and land that was established in pasture. Pasture/Unused consists of grass that is suitable for grazing, typically ryegrass, or ryegrass and white clover, or grasses with no predominant legume or herb. Crops to be planted were identified by bare soil being tilled or cultivated soil ready for sowing or planting. This crop type accounted for 2% of the total crops in the Poverty Bay Flats. This survey also singled out additional fodder crop types which were not distinguished in previous surveys. These crop types included plantain/chicory, plantain/clover, forage rape and fodder beet. These varieties are all included as fodder crops in the results section Pasture/Unused Pasture/Unused land continues to be the most dominant crop present on the Poverty Bay Flats. In the 2014/2015 season the total arable land in pasture/unused was 5, hectares. In 2015/2016 the areas defined as pasture/unused land were 5, hectare (Figure 3). Pasture accounts for 31% of all crops in the Poverty Bay Flats. (This is close to the average of 32% for all the seasons that were surveyed.) Within the increased survey area outside of the Poverty Bay Flats, pasture/unused land occupies another 2, ha, providing a total for the Gisborne region of ha. 5

7 Figure 3: Total hectares of pasture/unused land on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ / Maize/Sweetcorn Maize and sweetcorn collectively make up the second most common crop type in the region. Maize and sweetcorn account for 27% of all crops on the Poverty Bay Flats covering a total area of 5, hectares for the 2015/16 season. This figure is 424 ha less than the previous year (Figure 4). 1, ha of maize/sweetcorn was grown outside the Flats making the total for the Gisborne region 6, ha. Figure 4: Total hectares of maize/sweetcorn on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ /16. 6

8 3.1.3 Grapes In 2015/16 grapes occupied 1, ha of the Poverty Bay Flats, making grapes the third most common crop. Grapes have declined in the last two seasons but the decrease this season was only 20 ha (Figure 5). The decrease of grapes in the previous season was 289 ha. Grapes now occupy 8.3% of all crops in the Poverty Bay Flats. Figure 5: Total hectares of grapes on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ / Squash Squash covered an area of 1,606.32ha, 9.06% of the Poverty Bay Flats making it the fourth most common crop in the 2015/16 season. As demonstrated by figure 6 the area of the Poverty Bay Flats planted in squash varies from season to season, with this trend continuing in 2015/16. A large area of squash, ha is grown outside the Poverty Bay Flats, a significant increase if 143ha from last season. Figure 6: Total hectares of squash grown on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ /16. 7

9 3.1.5 Citrus Citrus occupies 8.31 % of the Poverty Bay Flats, and 6.5 % of the total Gisborne region s arable land. As demonstrated in Figure 7, the area planted in citrus in the Poverty Bay Flats steadily increased from 2007/08, peaking in 2012/13 at 1530ha and then declining, with citrus covering and area of 1,472 ha in the 2015/16 season. Despite the decline observed in the Poverty Bay Flats, citrus has increased elsewhere with an increase of 38ha observed within the wider Gisborne Region. Figure 7: Total hectares of citrus grown on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ / Kiwifruit Kiwifruit currently occupies ha, equating to 2.8% of the crops in the Poverty Bay Flats. Production rose in 2012/13 and again in 2015/16 (Figure 8). For the first time kiwifruit has been recorded outside the Poverty Bay Flats, with 2.74 ha grown on the East Coast. Figure 9: Total hectares of kiwifruit grown on the Poverty Bay Flats arable land 2007/ /16. 8

10 3.1.7 Fodder Crops Fodder crops include chicory, clover, leafy turnip, lucerne, lupin, oats, plantain and swedes. On the Poverty Bay Flats last season there was 230 ha of fodder crops. This 2015/16 season, fodder crops totalled ha on the Poverty Bay Flats. The main types of fodder crops in the Flats were lucerne and plantain (Figure 9). In the 2015/16 season lucerne accounted for ha, which was similar to the previous season of 168 ha. These are the highest figures for lucerne since 2008/09 when fodder crops were first recorded. In the 2015/16 survey there was 79 ha of leafy turnip grown on the Poverty Bay Flats (Figure 9). The previous season recorded only 3.74 ha of leafy turnip. The majority of the region s leafy turnip (460 ha) is grown outside the Flats totalling 539 ha for the Gisborne region. In this survey plantain/chicory and plantain/clover were recorded separately from plantain grown mainly on its own. Plantain on its own accounts for ha on the Poverty Bay Flats with plantain/chicory of ha, and plantain/clover of 0.80 ha. The total of all the plantains on the Poverty Bay Flats is ha. Last season there was 43 ha in plantain. Swedes were not recorded this year, although 52 ha were grown in the Poverty Bay Flats the previous season. Fodder beet and forage rape were only found outside the Flats. Figure 9: Total hectares of fodder crops grown on the Poverty Bay Flats 2007/ / Pip and Stone-fruit Pip and stone fruit varieties on the Poverty Bay Flats include; apples; pears; tamarillos; avocados; stone-fruit; persimmon; and pomegranate. Combined, these tree crops have remained constant with the previous season of 2014/15 (Figure 10). In the 2014/15 season these crops occupied 350 ha of the Poverty Bay Flats. These crops currently occupy 348 ha of the Poverty Bay Flats. This equates to 1.9% of the total crops on the Flats. Assessed individually, apples and pears remain the largest contributor to pip and stone fruit, 9

11 occupying 186 ha. This is a decline of 12 ha from the previous season. Stone fruit increased by 33 ha while tamarillos and avocados have remained fairly constant. Pomegranate has been recorded for the first time and accounts for 6.31 ha. Figure 10: Total hectares of pip & stonefruit grown on the Poverty Bay Flats 2007/ / Tomatoes The area of tomatoes on the Poverty Bay Flats continues to fluctuate (Figure 11). In the 2015/16 season the survey recorded ha of tomatoes. Cedenco are responsible for the vast majority of tomato growth in the region and confirmed that 247 ha of land was planted in tomatoes. The difference of 75 ha between the actual area planted of 247 ha and the area recorded in the survey of ha may be explained by some tomatoes being harvested before the survey was conducted. The graph below shows the survey figure of 171 ha for the 2015/16 season, so tomatoes appear to have decreased. However, by applying Cedenco s figure of 247 ha being planted in tomatoes for the 2015/16 season, there was actually an increase of 26ha of tomatoes from the previous season. The previous season 2014/15 recorded 221 ha of tomatoes which was the same as the 2012/13 season. There was a peak for tomatoes in 2011/12 of 666 ha. Last season tomatoes were 1.24% of the crops on the Poverty Bay Flats. This season tomatoes amount to 0.96% of the crops on the Poverty Bay Flats. 10

12 Figure 11: Total hectares of tomatoes grown in the Poverty Bay Flats 2007/ / Minor Crops & Processing Vegetables Minor crops include melons, strawberries, olives, pine nurseries and grape nurseries. As demonstrated by Figure 12, there has been a significant change in the proportion of minor crops in the 2015/16 season. Melons are now the largest proportion of minor crops. Last season it was the pine nursery. The pine nursery decreased production by 31 ha. Melon production also decreased by ha between 2014/15 and 2015/16, with ha grown in 2014/15 and ha in 2015/16. The grape nursery has increased production by ha and is now the second largest proportion of minor crops. Strawberries represent the smallest proportion of minor crops accounting for 1.06 ha in the 2015/16 season. Olives increased from 0.87 ha in the previous season to 1.28 ha. Feijoas also increased in production. There were 16 ha of feijoas in the 2014/15 survey and 44 ha of feijoas in the 2015/16 survey. This is the first time that poplar and willow nurseries have been recorded in the summer survey and these nurseries accounted for 12 ha (Figure 12). 11

13 Figure 12: Total hectares of minor crops grown on the Poverty Bay Flats 2007/ /16. Processing vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, onions, peas, beans, and courgettes. There were ha of lettuces and cabbages and ha of cauliflower and broccoli recorded in the 2015/16 survey (Figure 13). Courgettes accounted for 1.27 ha, a decrease of 1.15ha from the previous survey. This reduction may be due to timing of the survey, with courgettes possibly still to be planted. No onions were recorded in the survey. Similarly, no peas or beans were recorded in the survey but Cedenco advised that 395 ha of peas/beans were planted in the 2015/16 season. The crop was harvested before the survey began in January This survey is the first to recognise potatoes, which accounted for 2.39 ha grown in the Poverty Bay Flats. Another 1.26 ha of potatoes were grown on the East Coast, near Tikitiki. 12

14 Figure 13: Total hectares of processing vegetables grown on the Poverty Bay Flats 2007/ / Gisborne Region There was 23, hectares in the Gisborne Region surveyed in 2015/16. This figure is similar to the 2014/15 season which was 23, ha. The graph below (Figure 14) shows the changes from the 2014/15 season to the 2015/16 season of the most common crop types grown in the Gisborne Region. These major crop types in the Gisborne Region are: Pasture/Unused Maize/Sweetcorn Squash Grapes Citrus Leafy Turnip Kiwifruit Pasture/unused land accounted for 35.42% of the total Gisborne region. This crop type was followed by 27.73% of maize/sweetcorn, 9.71% of squash, 7.73% of grapes, 6.56% of citrus, 2.27% of leafy turnip and 2.13% of kiwifruit. There was 1.62 ha of area that was yet to be planted in the 2015/16 season. It is not included as a crop type. This is the first season that a fodder crop has been counted among the largest crop types in the region and it is attributed to the increase in leafy turnip grown outside the Poverty Bay Flats. 13

15 The Gisborne Region incorporates 5, hectares of land surveyed outside the Poverty Bay Flats. Of this 5, ha, 47% was in pasture/unused, 26% was planted in maize/sweetcorn, 11.6% in squash, and 14% in fodder crops. This 14% in fodder crops included 7.74% of leafy turnips. On areas outside the Flats there was 2800 ha of pasture/unused, a decrease of 248 ha from the previous season s total of 3,048 ha. Similarly, for the Gisborne Region, pasture/unused land recorded a small decrease of 248 ha in the 2015/16 survey, with 8,632 ha of pasture/unused land in the 2014/15 season and 8,384 ha in the 2015/16 season (Figure 14). Figure 14: Total hectares of common crops in the Gisborne Region 2014/15 to 2015/16. The Gisborne Region s production of grapes was fairly constant, although 2015/16 had a small decrease of 21 ha. Citrus grown in the Poverty Bay Flats decreased, while the region s citrus production increased by 19 ha. This increase can be attributed to the 40 ha of citrus grown outside the Flats, an increase of 38 ha from the previous survey. Squash and kiwifruit maintained high numbers and both increased in production. Maize production decreased by 300 ha on the Poverty Bay Flats, and also decreased by 1000 ha in the Gisborne Region. There was 2,128 ha of maize and sweetcorn grown outside the Flats in the 2014/15 season and this amount dropped to 1,552 ha in 2015/16. Swedes decreased in the region while most of the fodder crops increased. Leafy Turnip grown in the Gisborne Region increased from 124 ha in the 2014/15 season to 539 ha in the 2015/16 survey. Out of this total there was 460 ha of leafy turnip grown outside the Flats, which is a substantial increase of 339 ha. The total area planted in Lucerne increased from ha in 2014/15 to ha in the 2015/16 season (Figure 15). Lucerne crops mainly increased outside the Flats with 134 ha grown in 2015/16, an increase of 72 ha from the previous season s total. Chicory doubled for the Gisborne region from 10 ha in 2014/15 to 20 ha in 2015/16. This season there were more crops of chicory in Motu and Matawai. Plantain increased from 130 ha in 2014/15 to a total of

16 ha in the 2015/16 survey (Figure 15). This total includes plantain/chicory and plantain/clover. There was very little plantain/clover on the Poverty Bay Flats. The majority of this crop type was surveyed in the Motu and Matawai areas. Figure 15: Total hectares of fodder crops in the Gisborne Region 2014/15 to 2015/ Small Area Analysis Patutahi (Repongaere/Knight Roads) The area chosen for a small area analysis was Patutahi. As outlined in Figure 16, this area includes some of Lavenham Road, McFarlane Road, Repongaere, and Knight Roads. The data came from the surveys of 2007/08 through to 2015/16. Figure 16: Highlighted area of Lavenham, Repongaere, McFarlane, and Knight Roads used for the small area analysis in 2015/16. 15

17 The average hectares surveyed in this area between 2007/08 and 2015/16 is 296 ha, with the total area surveyed in 2015/16 being ha. This highlighted area in figure 16 is mapped for each survey from 2007/08 to 2015/16, showing the crop types that were recorded for that season. The maps are found in section 8 of this report, figures 20 to 27. Within this small area the major crop types that were present included pasture/unused, maize and sweetcorn, grapes, citrus, squash, kiwifruit, and tomatoes. These crops were first recorded in 2007/08 and have been grown in this area ever since. These crops change in distribution and in the rotation of paddocks. The survey data shows that grapes in this area have been steadily declining until the 2014/15 season where it grew. Grape production declined ha at its peak in 2009/10 to ha in 2014/15. In this location grapes had been removed in 2010/11 and replanted the following season with maize/sweetcorn. This maize/sweetcorn crop has since been rotated with tomatoes and then maize/sweetcorn again. In another paddock grapes were also taken out and replaced by kiwifruit. This occurred as early as 2008/09. Other paddocks were taken out of grapes and turned into pasture. This season, grape production rose to ha. This increase in grapes contrasts with the current trend for the Poverty Bay Flats and the Gisborne region. This season was the first to record fodder crops in this area. These fodder crops were two common crop types, leafy turnip and plantain. Onions have been grown in four of the eight seasons surveyed. Peas/beans were grown once. Avocados were first recorded in 2012/13. Apples and pears were first recorded in the 2015/16 season in an area surrounded by kiwifruit. In the 2007/08 and 2008/09 this same area had been grapes. However, from 2009/10 to 2014/15 this small area was recorded as kiwifruit. It is unlikely that kiwifruit were pulled out to plant apples and pears. It is more likely to be a recording error, or an identification problem due to visibility issues, with the tree crop concealed by high shelter belts protecting the surrounding kiwifruit. With reference to Figure 17, over the eight seasons squash has fluctuated between 11 to 29 hectares, with an average of 22 ha. Tomatoes have also fluctuated. The total area planted in tomatoes ranges from 8.64 ha to 29 ha with an average of 17 ha across the seasons. In 2007/08 there were four paddocks that had grown squash and maize/sweetcorn. These two crop types were rotated in these paddocks for two seasons before leaving one paddock in pasture. From 2010/11 two paddocks were left in pasture and two paddocks were planted in squash. In 2011/12 one paddock was planted in maize/sweetcorn and the three other paddocks were kept as pasture/unused. There has been no rotation or change of crop in these four paddocks since then. The amount of pasture/unused land was 24 ha in 2007/08 and 65 ha in 2015/16. For three seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12, there were paddocks that were yet to be planted. In 2009/10 there was 17.4 ha to be planted. In 2010/11 there was 18.2 ha, and in 2011/12 there was 13.3 ha to be planted. 16

18 Figure 17: Graph showing main fruit crops in the small area analysis. As stated previously, the total surveyed area has increased. Part of the reason for the increase in hectares is due to the addition of two new crop types in paddocks that had not planted in crops before. There was a 7.87 ha paddock where leafy turnip was grown on Repongaere Road and a 3.55 ha paddock of plantain on Lake Road. In addition, pasture that was recorded in the 2007/08 survey was not included again until 2015/16. The difference between the total hectares over the seasons is probably also due to the more accurate digitising at a smaller scale than previous seasons. Figure 18: Graph showing changes of major crop types in the small area analysis. 17

19 The graph above (Figure 18) shows the fluctuations of the major crops within this small area. Pasture/Unused has steadily increased before peaking at 70.83ha in the 2014/15 season. Maize/sweetcorn hit a low of 20.02ha in 2010/11 and then climbed to nearly 100 ha in the seasons 2012/13 and 2015/16. Squash fluctuated on a smaller scale, ranging from the smallest crop of 11.65ha in the 2011/12 season to a high of 28.89ha this 2015/16 season. The 2009/10 and 2010/11 surveys recorded similar sized squash crops of 28.62ha and 28.39ha respectively. Onions have declined from the peak in 2010/11 of 20.44ha to only 6.38ha in 2014/15. There have been three seasons where no onions were recorded. The small area analysis also noted the rotation of crop types in particular paddocks. A northern paddock only rotated four crop types, from tomatoes in 2007/08 to maize/sweetcorn the next season, then onions for two seasons, and back to maize/sweetcorn in 2011/12. Tomatoes followed the maize/sweetcorn crop for two seasons in a row, before being rotated again with maize/sweetcorn in 2015/16. Other paddocks towards the western end of Knight Road, were pasture until 2012 when the land was planted in maize/sweetcorn and squash. These have been the same three crop types grown in those paddocks since that date. 6.0 Discussion 6.1 Crop Survey Area As previously stated the survey area for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 season has extended beyond the previous year s surveys. It now includes Motu, Matawai, Whangara, Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, and Tikitiki, in addition to the Poverty Bay Flats. This extended area ensures that all arable land around the Gisborne region is accounted for, providing Council with greater detail relating to the management of crops. In the 2015/16 survey and 2014/15 survey it was necessary to distinguish between the data taken from the Poverty Bay Flats and the data taken from the whole Gisborne region. The Poverty Bay Flats needed recognisable boundaries that could be repeated in following surveys, in order to continue with comparable data. Therefore, the area known as the Poverty Bay Flats for the purposes of the 2014/15 and 2015/16 surveys, were defined by the Turanga Ecological Unit (Clarkson, 1991). The Turanga Ecological Unit defines the parameters of the Poverty Bay Flats according to its unique topography, geology, soils, and climate, which is particularly suited to agricultural development (Clarkson, 1991). Accordingly, the 2015/16 Poverty Bay Flats included Te Karaka and Whatatutu but ceased where Matawai Road splits into Whakarau Road and Matawai Road. All the land west from here was considered to be outside the Flats. The Poverty Bay Flats extended west to Okitu, but stopped at the start of Whangara Road. All the land east and northeast to Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, and Tikitiki was considered to be outside the Flats. Figure 19 below, shows the area known as the Poverty Bay Flats (Turanga Ecological Unit). 18

20 The total survey area has remained fairly constant between 2014/15 and 2015/16 with a total area of 23,832 ha surveyed in 2014/15 and 23, ha in 2015/16. Figure 19: Location of the Poverty Bay Flats, based on the Turanga Ecological Unit. (Clarkson, 1991, p.3). The location for the small area analysis was determined by two key parameters: having a range of pasture and perennial crops; and avoiding areas with large tracts of processing vegetables that would only show rotation of crops and not the changes of permanent crop types. 6.2 Digitising Data collection in this survey was undertaken using maps with a smaller scale than the previous survey (1: 8,000). Maps at this scale allowed for a more detailed depiction of crop boundaries. Similarly digitising of the collected data onto ArcMap was conducted at a smaller scale than previously employed. This improved the accuracy of crop polygons as features such as patches of bush, houses, sheds, shelter belts, river edges, and other obstructions could be excluded from the digitised area. As the previous survey had already improved the accuracy of crop polygons, there was less reduction of area recorded for each crop. The digitised data required land areas to be separated out from the Gisborne Region in order to compare statistics for the Poverty Bay Flats. Therefore, it was necessary to define what was to be included in the Poverty Bay Flats data and what was considered to be outside this area. Following the previous survey, the data was split according to the areas mentioned in 6.1 of this report. 19

21 6.3 Crop Trends and Characteristics Results from this survey show how crops such as maize/sweetcorn and squash are frequently rotated. The crop rotation observed in this survey explains to a moderate extent the fluctuations of the area occupied by crops such as maize/sweetcorn, squash, and tomatoes. While rotation is significant for some crops, it is not so for all. Market forces also impact on crop production Market Forces Even though the production of squash fluctuates here in Gisborne, it remains a significant crop in the region. The past two seasons have shown that there is at least 2000 hectares of squash grown annually in the region. Squash is New Zealand s fourth largest horticulture export product and Gisborne supplies about 38% of this total (NZ Buttercup Squash Industry, 2016). Squash has increased in the Poverty Bay Flats and the Gisborne region from 2,122 ha to 2,299 ha in the 2015/16 season. Maize/sweetcorn continues to be the second highest crop type in the Gisborne region. Gisborne produces 53% of New Zealand s sweetcorn production and is also one of New Zealand s main growing regions for processed vegetables (NZ Trade & Enterprise, a2016). In terms of tree fruit, Gisborne is a big producer of persimmons for export despite the crop being a relatively new commercial crop. The area grows about 28% of the New Zealand exports (NZ Persimmon Industry Council, 2015). The 2014/15 season recorded substantial growth in persimmons. This figure will be exaggerated as it was discovered in the 2015/16 survey that two large areas had previously been mistakenly identified as persimmons. The 2015/16 survey also noted an increase from the previous season in tamarillos, feijoas, avocados, and stone-fruit. For the first time the survey identified pomegranates in the Poverty Bay Flats. Although the Poverty Bay Flats have had a decline in citrus for the past two seasons, the amount of citrus crops is still higher than the seasons from 2007/08 through to 2011/12. Nationally there has been an increase in the production of organic avocados, citrus fruit, berry fruit, stone-fruit, and feijoas. Organic vegetables are a high export earner and growers are increasingly turning towards filling this market (NZ Trade & Enterprise, 2016). This survey has not recorded whether crops are organic or not. Grape production in Gisborne also appears to be on the verge of change. Around 2008/09 low grape/wine prices and competition resulted in an over-supply of grapes in the district. This resulted in a decline in grape production up until the 2015/16 season. Gisborne is still the third largest wine growing region in New Zealand. Wine and kiwifruit are New Zealand s biggest earners in the horticulture sector. Each have export values in excess of NZ $1billion (NZ Trade & Enterprise, 2016). Therefore, it is not surprising that kiwifruit crops have increased in recent years in Gisborne. Kiwifruit is the most water intensive crop on the Poverty bay Flats with water being essential for successful growth. 20

22 The consequences of less water intensive crops being replaced by kiwifruit is an increased demand on the catchment s water resources. Fodder crops have also increased in the Gisborne region, particularly in areas outside the Poverty Bay Flats. Fodder crops are crops grown for animal consumption. Fodder crops are used for summer and winter feed, and to increase overall productivity of the pastoral system. Fodder crops can supplement pastures and allow quality feed to be available for livestock during shortages, as a drought protection, and when demand for feed is high, such as for finishing lambs. With aerial spraying it is possible to plant fodder crops on land that would have been difficult to access with machinery. Fodder crops include cereals, pasture herbs, brassicas, fodder beet, and forage legumes/lupins. Forage cereals include oats, barley, wheat, barley, and triticale (cross between wheat and ryecorn), and peas. Legumes include lucerne and clover. Brassicas include kale (chou moellier), rape, leafy turnips, turnips, and swedes. Plantain, yarrow, phacelia, and chicory are pasture herbs. Plantain and chicory are common pasture herbs used in Gisborne. The increase in fodder crops is probably related to the high prices for beef and wool which have increased the number of livestock in the Gisborne region. Wool has held high prices for the past two years. Since 2014 the price for beef has also been high. There have been increasing numbers of livestock, including beef cattle and sheep, in the Gisborne District since 2009 (Statistics New Zealand, 2014). Pine seedling production has decreased in the Poverty Bay Flats is pine seedlings. The pine nursery has reduced its crop by ha, a substantial amount for a nursery. This may be due to less demand for pine seedlings from the forestry industry. Many of the pine forests in the Gisborne Region were planted as a result of erosion protection schemes and now these forests are being harvested. The trend is to replant these forests with indigenous vegetation or Manuka trees for honey production and erosion control measures. Pasture/unused land accounts for 8,384 ha in Gisborne. With 5,584 ha located in the Poverty Bay Flats, there is potential for change. If economic forces provide incentives for large scale conversions to water intensive crops, this has the potential to impact on water demand in the Waipaoa catchment Water Demand and Crops The water intensity of crops has a direct relationship upon the demand for water, particularly when establishing new crops, at harvesting times, and in dry hot summers. Climate and biological influences also affect the demand for water, whether it is through irrigation requirements in the absence of rain, spraying fertilisers to boost soil nutrients, or spraying insecticides to combat the spread of insects. The Makauri Gravel Aquifer is the principal aquifer (Barber, 1993) supplying approximately 50% of the groundwater used on the flats (Gordon, 2001). This water is used for irrigating a diverse range of permanent and seasonal crops and the aquifer s static water levels are showing a long-term decline. 21

23 The Gisborne District Council is responsible for the sustainable management of water resources and is encouraging conservation and the most efficient use of water. Restrictions on water allocation and water conservation measures are necessary to protect present and future resources. However, restrictions on water allocation also puts pressure on existing horticulture and agriculture to deal with climate changes and variable market forces. Even if existing growers changed crop types to drought resistant crops, irrigation to establish crops is usually required. Growing for commercial purposes, again, usually requires irrigation at some stage in crop development. Relying upon rainfall is too great a risk for large investments, especially when research indicates weather extremes are more likely in the future. As discussed in the previous summer crop survey report (Arable Land Use in the Gisborne District ) a warmer climate can lead to extreme weather, drought risk, and intense rainfall events that lose precipitation as run-off, and provides a favourable niche for the spread of pest insects and sub-tropical grasses. In a summer drought, having an adequate supply of water for crops is the difference between survival and failure. A significant proportion of the Gisborne community is directly involved in agriculture and horticulture. There are 350 horticulture firms in the Gisborne region, and 1,130 employees in horticulture. There are 605 sheep and beef farms and 1,396 employees in sheep, beef cattle farming, and maize/grain growing. In addition there are 125 firms providing agriculture and fishing support services (New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, 2014, p 4.) 6.4 Limitations and Benefits Limitations The inability to sight some crops from public roads meant some crops were excluded from the survey. Some crops were not correctly identified in the data, which meant information had to be checked and the area surveyed again. The survey provides a one-time observation only. The survey began 6 th January and continued until 26 th January. Since several crops were harvested before the survey began and planted after the survey ended, the survey does not capture every crop that is grown for the season. Benefits Despite the limitations above, the data held for each survey is improving in accuracy. In addition identification of data is becoming easier and quicker. An identification folder has been established for ongoing use. The results still provide a strategic picture of land use changes across the Poverty Bay Flats and the Gisborne region during the irrigation season. 22

24 7.0 References Barber, J.L Groundwater of the Poverty Bay Flats: a brief synopsis. Gisborne District Council report. p43. Clarkson, B.R & B.D Turanga Ecological district. Survey report for the Protected Natural Area Programme. Department of Conservation, Gisborne. p2, 3. Gisborne District Council, State of the Environment Draft Report, Land and Soil, Gordon, D Gisborne. In Groundwaters of New Zealand, M.R. Rosen and P.A. White (eds). New Zealand Hydrological Society Inc., Wellington. P Murphy, P Makauri aquifer technical report, Gisborne District Council report. p1, 2, 11, 12. NZ Buttercup Squash Industry, (now called the New Zealand Kabocha Council) The New Zealand growing environment. Retrieved from NZ Persimmon Industry Council, Persimmon Information. Retrieved from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Horticulture. Retrieved 2016 from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Regional Investment-Gisborne, 2014, retrieved from New Zealand Winegrowers Annual Report, Retrieved from and 1/statistics-information/ Statistics New Zealand, Agricultural tables ; Agricultural Production Statistics June 2014 (Final). 23

25 8.0 Figures Figure 20: Map of 2007/08 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. Figure 21: Map of 2008/09 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. 24

26 Figure 22: Map of 2009/10 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. Figure 23: Map of 2010/11 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. 25

27 Figure 24: Map of 2011/12 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. Figure 25: Map of 2012/13 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. 26

28 Figure 26: Map of 2014/15 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. Figure 27: Map of 2015/16 surveyed area of Lavenham, Repongaere, Lake, and Knight Roads. 27

29 Table 1: Detailed Area of Poverty Bay Flats and the Gisborne region Hectares Hectares Outside Poverty Bay Flats Hectares Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Crop 2007/ / / / / / / / / / / / / /16 Pasture/Unused 4, ,931 6, , , , , , , , , , , Maize/Sweetcorn 4, ,096 4, , , , , , , , , , , Grapes 2, ,493 2, , , , , , , , Citrus 1, ,317 1, , , , , , , , Squash 1, ,135 1, , , , , , , , Kiwifruit Tomatoes Onions Pumpkin Potatoes Peas/Beans Cauliflower/Broccoli Courgettes Lettuce/Cabbage Melons Swedes Apples and Pears Avocados Stonefruit Tamarillos Pomegranate Strawberries Feijoa Olives Persimmon Pinenuts Echinacea Flowers Chamomile To Be Planted Grape Nursery Pine Nursery Poplar/Willow Nursery Chicory Fodder Beet Forage rape Leafy Turnip Lucerne Oats Plantain Plantain/Chicory Plantain/Clover Clover Lupin Lifestyle Total 15, , , , , , , , , , , , , Poverty Bay Flats Poverty Bay Flats Gisborne Region Gisborne Region Total Outside PBFlats Coast Tolaga Ruatoria Motu / Matawai Total Outside PBFlats 28

30 Table 2: Percentage of Area in Poverty Bay Flats and the Gisborne region Percentage of area Poverty Poverty Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Poverty Bay Poverty Poverty Bay Gisborne Gisborne Bay Flats Bay Flats Flats Flats Flats Flats Bay Flats Flats region region Crop 2007/ / / / / / / / / /16 Pasture/Unused Maize/Sweetcorn Grapes Citrus Squash Kiwifruit Tomatoes Onions Pumpkin Potatoes Peas/Beans Cauliflower/Broccoli Courgettes Lettuce/Cabbage Melons Swedes Apples and Pears Avocados Stonefruit Tamarillos Pomegranate Strawberries Feijoa Olives Persimmon Pinenuts Echinacea Flowers Chamomile To Be Planted Grape Nursery Pine Nursery Poplar/Willow Nursery Chicory Fodder Beet Forage rape Leafy Turnip Lucerne Oats Plantain Plantain/Chicory Plantain/Clover Clover Lupin Lifestyle

31 Table 3: Statistics for Small Area of Patutahi Repongaere/McFarlane/Lavenham and Knight Roads Small Area Analysis Season 2007/ / / / / / / /16 Apples and pears 2.9 Avocados Citrus Grapes Kiwifruit Leafy turnip 7.87 Maize/Sweetcorn Onions Plantain 3.55 Pasture/Unused Squash Tomatoes Peas/Beans 4.89 To Be Planted T Hectares