Research and Extension
Projects are subdivided into categories:
Research
- Water Quality (Fertiliser and Nutrient Management, Soil Health)
- Pest and Disease
- New Technology
- Mātauranga Māori
Extension
- Extension Events
- Extension Resources
Research and Extension Templates are available for industry members to use as applications for funding. The applications are submitted to the R&E working group and evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Does the research address a current issue for growers?
- Will the outcomes of the research be accessible to growers?
- How does the research fit into the rest of the programme? In terms of budget, crop type, utilising VICE resources, etc.
Project Register
Current Projects
Tomato Leaf Mould
Assessing the likelihood of Cf genes providing resistance by analysing the mutation profiles in the effector genes of the F. fulva population.
Sustainable Vegetable Systems in Potatoes
Assessing the use of the SVS tool in potatoes, particularly its impact on quality and yield.
Cultural Soil Health Indicator
Developing a cultural soil health indicator that incorporates scientific principles and mātauranga māori principles.
Biochar/biofertiliser soil additives glasshouse trial
Massey University is undertaking a study to understand how soil additives such as biochar, chicken manure, and vegetable waste compost impact crop production.
Stemphylium Leaf Blight Agronomic Resources
Development of a series of resources outlining best agronomic practice for the control of SLB in onions.
Stemphylium Leaf Blight Agronomic Principles Demonstration
Demonstration of the impact of agronomic principles on SLB in-field.
BioScout Demonstration
Assessing how the BioScout AI-driven spore monitor can be used in vegetable crops to combat pest and disease.
Vegetable Variety Trials
Providing quantitative data on onion, lettuce and brassica varieties to enable improved decision making.
Brassica Adjuvant Assessment
Assessing the impact of different applications of brassica adjuvants.
Potato Mound Integrity for the Control of Potato Tuber Moth
Trialing a variety of methods for maintaining potato mounds and assessing their impact on the prevalence of PTM.
Completed Projects
See ‘Resources’ tab for final project reports.
Zebra chip extension event
Re-educate local growers about the impacts and mitigation strategies for Zebra chip.
Paul Horne IPM Tour
Funding a visit from Integrated Pest Management expert Paul Horne to all the major vegetable growing areas in New Zealand. enable improved decision making.
Research Roadshow
Providing partial funding for the Vegetables Industry’s annual Research Roadshow extension event.
Cover Crops Literature Review
Establishing a base for a work programme evaluating options and assessing the costs and benefits of cover crops for vegetable growing in New Zealand crops and regions.
SLAKES
Ground-truthing soil aggregate stability results from a smartphone app called SLAKES with Manaaki Whenua’s wet-sieve testing.
Farmer Friendly Nitrate Testing
Ground-truthing soil Nitrogen results from a novel N testing device (Nitrachek) with commercial laboratory mineral nitrogen tests, and comparing them with Nitrate Quick Test strips results.
Biodiversity Survey
Collecting information on the arthropods associated with annual floral strips and movable insectaries, and quantify them as beneficial insects, while also looking to measure their impact in crop.
Drench Comparison in Cabbage
Assessing the effectiveness of Durivo drench for the control of caterpillars and aphids within and out with its recommended application window.
Demonstration Glasshouse Business Case
Development of a business case for a demonstration glasshouse to run research trials and exhibit best practice in the covered cropping sector.
Smart Insect Trapping
Assessing the use of AI-driven Insect Traps, which provide growers with real-time information on their insect populations.
Soil Nitrogen Dynamics
An assessment of nitrogen changes, depth distribution, and rapid field-testing accuracy in bedded and ridge–furrow vegetable systems under variable environmental conditions.
Our work
People Capability
The People Capability working group manages the people capability project portfolio on behalf of Te Ahikawariki.
Projects are subdivided into categories:
Inform
Understand vegetable workforce needs and ensure vegetable career pathways are clear and promoted
Enable
Enable attraction to, retention in, and upskilling/futureproofing in the vegetable sector in areas of need.
Build
Build new resources and programmes to support vegetable sector capability development.
Funding has been awarded to:
- Education providers
- Growers
- Postgraduate research students
These funding rounds have now closed but watch this space for future opportunities.
- Does the application align to vegetable sector workforce needs?
- Does the application present value for money/high potential impact?
- Does the application fit into VICE priorities and alignment with other projects?
Project Register
Collateral
Vegetable Industry Workforce Development Strategy and Plan
Employer Guide: Attracting the Right Individual
Employer Guide: Training and Development Planning
Employer Guide: Hiring and Hosting an Intern
Employer Guide: Upskilling Options
Employer Guide: Coaching and Mentoring
Career Pathways in the Vegetable Sector
Career Pathways Poster
Internships
Olivia Webster
Research internship facilitated by LandWISE in Hawke’s Bay, completed in Autumn 2025.
Leo Farrell
Research internship facilitated by Te Ahikawariki at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm during summer 24/25.
Scholarships
Ashmita Pandey
PhD candidate
massey University
‘Magnitude and causes of on-farm food loss and waste in broccoli production’
Shiromi Samiraja
PhD candidate
massey University
‘Cover cropping and direct mulch planting for improving the sustainability of vegetable production in New Zealand’
Simon Apang Semese
PhD candidate
massey University
‘Characterisation of traditional kūmara om Aotearoa’
Chan Mun Fei (Michael)
Masters student
massey University
‘Biofortification of arable crops’
Yanbo Li (Bob)
Masters student
massey University
‘Field Observation of Insect Pests and Natural Enemies in Broccoli Cultivars’
Charlotte Robertson
PhD candidate
University of Waikato
‘Integration of Agricultural Systems for Environmental Sustainability’
Ellie Brock
Masters student
lincoln University
‘Aspects of Integrated Pest Management of Spongospora subterranea’
Holly Norman
Masters student
lincoln University
‘Management of Ceratocystis fimbriata and Meloidogyne spp. in kūmara production’
Hugh Richardson
Masters student
massey University
‘Investigating the Agronomic Performance of Buttercup (Kabocha) squash varieties for New Zealand’s export market’
Education Provider Grants
Vegetable Case Studies
Massey University
Creation of two vegetable production case study resources focused on the Horowhenua and Pukekohe regions for use at secondary and undergraduate levels, and by industry.
License for Drone Mapping Software for Vegetable Research
Massey University
This tool will enhance the ability of researchers to monitor crop growth, analyse environmental factors, and optimise vegetable production methods.
Massey Field Trips
Massey University
Two field trips for Massey students funded to Pukekohe and Hawke’s Bay.
3x Vegetable Case Study Resources
Massey University
Creation of 3x vegetable production case study resources for use at secondary and undergraduate levels, and by industry.
License for Drone Mapping Software for Vegetable Research
Massey University
This tool will enhance the ability of researchers to monitor crop growth, analyse environmental factors, and optimise vegetable production methods.
Grower Grants
Brisbane Tour of Learning
Vegetables New zealand inc
Support for a group of vegetable growers to visit Australia.
USA Trip
northern wairoa vegetable growers
Support for a group of kūmara growers to visit the USA.
EU Trip
boyds asparagus industries
Support for Callum Turner to visit European asparagus growers and packers.
Malaysia Trip
the fresh grower
Support for Cameron Fong to visit Malaysian growers.
Masters Degree Support
the fresh grower
Support for Erin Mai to complete her Masters degree.
Grower Leadership Course
Keith vaughan
Funding a leadership course for a group of vegetable growers.