Primary production
The primary production sector plays a fundamental role in New Zealand's economy. Exports from agriculture and horticulture account for over 50% of New Zealand's merchandised exports.
New Zealand's land-based primary production is widely recognised as being more efficient than other producers around the world. However consumers worldwide are demanding businesses are as energy efficient as possible and demonstrate sustainable business practices. To remain competitive, the primary production sector needs to focus on continuing to improve energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint while increasing productivity. Currently the sector accounts for 4.3% of New Zealand's total energy use (21.4 petajoules).
Here are some examples and information of how we are working in this area:
Horticulture
Enterprising greenhouse growers can reduce energy costs by about 70% by improving the thermal efficiency of their greenhouses. This can be done by using techniques to improve energy efficiency, enhance crop production and reduce costs.
Download Guidelines to Improve Greenhouse Industry Energy Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions.
Potential energy efficiency measures in the arable and outdoor vegetable industry are set out in a report prepared by AgriLINK for the Climate Change Office at the Ministry for the Environment and EECA.
Wineries
Heat recovery systems reduce energy use and are particularly suited to the wine making industry.
Read case studies about the energy efficiency gains achieved at Craggy Range and St Helena wineries.
Dairy
We are currently working on a new programme focusing on Dairy farms - this should be launched mid to late 2012.
The dairy resource kit demonstrates how much energy different activities in the milking shed use, and what measures owners/managers can undertake to reduce energy use.
Read case studies about energy efficiency gains at Landcorp and Lincoln University Dairy Farm.
Funding available
Businesses in the primary production sector may qualify for grants or other assistance.
