Here to grow better
Working in greenhouses using hydroponics means we can grow more produce (per square meter, per year) than is possible with conventional farming.
We don’t heat our greenhouses and we offset our energy use with solar power.
Because we grow in closed hydroponic systems, we use much less water than traditional agriculture (our water is reused until it evaporates) and we capture rainwater onsite to use in our greenhouses.
Solar panels generate approximately 40% of our energy helping to keep our footprint small and we utilise electric powered machines, pumps and vehicles where possible.
We are always looking to innovate and improve how we grow in a way that minimises our environmental impact.
It’s personal
We came to this business because we wanted to be producers.
We do all our growing from seed, and our team keeps a watchful eye on the plants every day for the 2-3 months it takes for them to mature ready for your table.
We eat our greens every day and we care what gets sprayed on them. If we need to manage pests, we prefer to use organic certified methods.
Responsibility
As business owners, we’re mindful of our responsibilities to the community in which we operate.
Our staff are a key part of our business. In 2021 we became Living Wage accredited.
We are suppliers to Kaibosh food rescue since 2020 and proud to be their first grower partner in the Horowhenua region. We are also proud to partner with Hope Hub and the Horowhenua Mana Kai network to strengthen our local food system, by providing them with our product free of charge.
Waikawa Fresh holds NZGAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification. This assurance scheme assures the safe and sustainable production and supply of food in New Zealand.
We are members of the Ag Recovery programme which provides recycling options for farm plastic.
