The kiwifruit industry is ramping up efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
An industry and Government study led by kiwifruit marketer Zespri has measured the carbon and greenhouse gas emitted during kiwifruit production and supply.
The study is the first of several to be released that measure the carbon impact of some of New Zealand's key primary industries.
Zespri sustainability spokesperson Glen Arrowsmith says the kiwifruit study gives a breakdown of emissions produced from the orchard to the packhouse and coolstore, and the shipping, retailing, consumption and disposal of the fruit.
He says the industry is now focused on reducing emissions that Zespri can control, for example in coolstores, or by ensuring more fruit are packed into each shipment.
Mr Arrowsmith says growers can also lessen their carbon impact by adopting some of the technologies used on organic orchards, reducing the use of agrichemicals, and simply by being more efficient.
Agriculture Minister David Carter says the country needs to be prepared to measure the carbon footprint all its primary produce, in order to meet the expectations of export markets.
