Strengthening Rural Communities

Recent legislative movements are set to bolster rural communities in New Zealand while simultaneously creating opportunities for Māori landowners. As the global demand for cannabis continues to rise, particularly in markets like North America, Europe, and Australia, the crop is poised to become a significant sector in New Zealand’s agriculture.

According to Andrew Kelly, chairman of a joint venture focusing on cannabis cultivation, “The long-term demand does seem to be constantly moving upwards… the easing of regulatory restrictions and recognition of clinical efficacy is causing a steadily broadening market for cannabis products.”

Gauge of Agricultural Growth

The New Zealand government’s interest in cannabis stems from its potential to evolve into a crucial new crop within the nation’s already established agricultural framework. With New Zealand’s long-standing reliance on farming for economic success, the incorporation of a high-value agricultural category like cannabis represents a strategic opportunity.

In 2022, a NZ$13 million investment from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund was announced, backing Puro, the country’s largest medical cannabis grower. As former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor noted, “Now is the perfect time to grow this high-value industry, as international demand for medicinal cannabis takes off while New Zealand is amid an export boom.”

New Crop, New Horizons

Kelly emphasizes that New Zealand’s indigenous Māori community has a profound interest in participating in the cannabis sector, not only because of its economic potential but also due to its medicinal properties. He states, “It comes with medicinal benefits, particularly for pain and anxiety, which are very important to Māori as a people. They have a culture around preparing medicines and creating the right environment for them to be effective.”

As kaitiaki, or guardians of the land, Māori farmers are uniquely positioned to lead in this emerging industry. “Māori iwi own significant portions of land in New Zealand and practice intergenerational farming, focusing on sustainability and long-term planning,” Kelly adds.

Revitalizing Small Towns

Developing the cannabis sector could play a key role in revitalizing rural communities. With urban areas expanding and small towns facing decline, there is a social motivation for establishing a high-value crop like cannabis that could help retain population and strengthen social cohesion.

A Focus on Agronomy

The current cultivation strategy emphasizes reducing capital and energy costs by growing cannabis outdoors and in greenhouses. The joint venture aims to scale operations efficiently, with plans to quintuple plantings this year as part of their long-term cultivation strategy.

Efforts include exploring various cannabis plant selections and maximizing the yield of valuable bioactive compounds. As Kelly points out, “We’re getting the agronomy right, and once we master that aspect, it will make sense to refine the product quality based on our findings.”

Conclusion

As New Zealand navigates this promising frontier in agriculture, the integration of cannabis cultivation could not only address economic challenges but also empower Māori communities, ensuring that the benefits of this crop are felt across the nation.