Global interest in freshwater sustainability continues to increase, with concerns largely based on contamination and depletion of the water supply within agricultural communities.

Recognising that, ZESPRI has taken a leadership role in understanding its indicative water footprint by commencing new research in 2009. The research is co-sponsored by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

Research results¹ show the virtual water content of New Zealand Kiwifruit is around one fifth of producing regions in drier countries. Results of the current research expect to confirm that water resources remain plentiful and sustainable in primary ZESPRI production areas.

¹ “Water footprints of nations,” A.K. Chapagain and A.Y. Hoekstra, November 2004.