26 Jun 2025

NZ scientists hoping to crack issue produce going to landfill

From Afternoons, 1:33 pm on 26 June 2025

New Zealand scientists say they have developed 'world first' technology which has the potential to solve a huge problem in our horticulture industry Sustainability venture 'Powered by plants' has produced a system which converts surplus produce into dried ingredients, bio energy and organic fertiliser. Currently 20% of the 6.2 million tonnes of produce grown in NZ is sent to landfill and NZ manufacturers import thousands of tonnes of dried food ingredients and extracts into the country. The lead scientist on the project, Dr Andrew Prest, talks to Jesse.