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Manawatū offers a rare opportunity, both nationally and globally, to diversify its land and build more resilient farm systems, with the potential to strengthen the region's food production and boost economic returns for our farmers and landowners.
Led by the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), the Land Diversification project aims to empower Manawatū farmers to tackle economic challenges, future proof their farm systems and improve productivity through alterative cropping and rotations.
This Land Diversification initiative features a report and an interactive Crop Suitability Map, offering farmers innovative land use options to consider as part of their planning processes. These tools can be used to inform practical alternatives for diversifying farm operations, mitigating income risk, and fostering sustainable farming practices.
NB: These stats cover the year 2023 and are approximate.
The information displayed in this map is sourced from the Data Supermarket via Our Land and Water, and through Toitū Te Whenua - Land Information New Zealand databases and maps. It is made available in good faith; however, its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. The main purpose of this Crop Suitability Map tool, provided by CEDA, is to provide a high-level overview of potential opportunities for growers, and landowners. Please note that actual land information may differ from what is shown and should be confirmed through further due diligence. The information is simplified in this map tool and therefore should serve only as a guide.
Please note: For the best experience this map tool is best viewed on a desktop computer. Users may experience slower online speeds when using the map tool due to its size and data requirements.
The following documents explore crop options that complement—rather than replace—existing farm systems, offering practical ways to enhance productivity. The five featured crops were selected based on the strength of available data and research. For example, integrating crop rotations with livestock grazing can stimulate soil health while producing high-value crops during non-grazing periods. A good place to start is to read the Land Diversification Initiative summary, which provides an overview of the approach and key opportunities.
We are developing resources to help Manawatū farmers and land owners explore diversification of their farm systems. If you would like to get first access to these resources, sign up here.
To use the map tool, you can search by address or valuation number. The map will zoom in on your address, you will then be required to click the map within your property boundaries. As a result more detailed information will appear on the left-hand side. This includes multiple layers that can be toggled on or off for your convenience. As you select different crops via the tabs at the bottom of the screen, your address will remain selected.
Level One 5 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North PO Box 12005 Palmerston North 4444 +64 6 350 1830 marketing@ceda.nz
CEDA.nz
Palmerston North City i-SITE
The Square, Palmerston North
0800 MANAWATU
(626 292)
isite@pncc.govt.nz
ManawatuNZ.co.nz/isite
Feilding and District
Information Centre
Te Āhura Mōwai
64 Stafford Street
+64 6 323 3318
infocentre@mdc.govt.nz
ManawatuNZ.co.nz/feilding
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