Dairy-dominated Taranaki may soon become recognised for its avocados, with thousands of trees being planted around the region. Around 6000 avocado trees will go into the ground this year, with another 10,000 in 2022, economic development agency Venture Taranaki said. Earlier this year, Venture Taranaki invited avocado industry representatives to New Plymouth to discuss opportunities with local landowners. The Branching Out report into Taranaki’s horticultural potential commissioned by Venture Taranaki last year identified Oaonui, near Opunake, as a suitable location. An average-sized avocado orchard is three to five hectares, with trees planted at between 100 and 400 trees per hectare.

Source: Stuff August 29, 2021 17:26 UTC