New Zealand Treecrops Association

Historic

How it all started 25 years ago!

• The idea was germinated between a MAF officer the late George Halliwell, and Journalist/Farmer Roland Clark from Mid Canterbury.
• Another Winchmore Research Officer David Ryde, conveyed an initial request for Nut Tree research to myself, as the then leader in Agronomy, at CRD/DSIR Lincoln, now a SOE named Field Fisheries & Crop.
• After presenting our case to Director Dr. Harvey C. Smith - he said “Why not?” - The only difference between annual & perennial crops was Time!
• On the 31 July 1974 - a meeting was held at DSIR Botany Division Library, where the majority present were invited leaders in Agricultural/Horticultural Research from MAF, SIR, MOW & Lincoln/Massey Universities.
• The only non-bureaucrats present were Messrs Roland Clark, Bernard Vavasour, (Farmers), Guy Goldsbrough & Vernon Harrison, (Nurserymen).
• The initial aim was “to lay down the basis for regional research in New Zealand and her island territories, and to establish guidelines for the management of a nut industry.” (The Press, 2nd August 1974 p.2.)
• Roland Clark presented his concept to this historic meeting. “I foresee the time when our farms will be running eight sheep to the acre or whatever is the current fashionable figure, on permanent grass and also producing tree crops away above their heads.” (The Press, 16th August 1974 p.6.)
• In November the same year a “Canterbury Tree Crops Association” was formed at the ‘Glenshane’ property of Mr Clark.
• Because of widespread public interest it was decided unanimously at a public meeting held at the Cawthorn Institute Nelson in April 1975 to “transform the advisory committee into an incorporated society called the New Zealand Tree Crops Association”. Membership to be open to research, commercial & farming interests.
• The original two branches in 1975, were Canterbury & Nelson with over 200 members
• Officers elected were patron: Dr H.C. Smith, President: Mr R.H. Clark, Vice President: Mr. S.N. Dawes, Secretary: Mr J.D.G. Davies, Treasurer: Dr. D.I. Jackson.
• Convenors and committees were appointed to advise TCA on the following:
  • 1. Importation quarantine and standards
  • 2. Propagation
  • 3. Management Systems
  • 4. Registration, classification, and identification
  • 5. Publicity and publications
  • 6. Technical and advisory
  • 7. Distribution, marketing, and processing

The objectives of the NZTCA as contained in the constitution were:
• To promote interest in tree crops generally, with particular reference to nut-bearing plants,
• To encourage scientific research in selection and culture, standardisation of nomenclature, dissemination of information,
• To foster establishment of provincial branches throughout New Zealand, and to support other organisations with similar aims and objectives

The following nut species were considered to have the best economic potential for Canterbury:
• Walnuts - Juglans regia L.,
• Chestnuts - Castanea sativa will,
• Almonds - Prunus amygdalus stokes,
• Hazels - Corylus sp

[Presented at Annual Conference, Christchurch, 30 March 2000]

http://www.treecrops.org.nz/historic/start25dd.html
Created: 2004 June 05 - Modified: 2008 July 11