The New Zealand Asparagus Council is lamenting the lack of young people entering the growing industry, despite high returns and strong international demand.

Over the past decade, grower numbers have fallen dramatically, from more than 200 in 2001 to just 94 at the current levels.

Asparagus Council Chairman George Turney says while productivity has increased, the acreage of land used to grow asparagus has fallen.

“What’s happened is, we’ve gone from an industry in the ‘80s of 3,500 hectares, producing 3 tonne to the hectare, to an industry of 600 hectares producing perhaps 5 tonne to the hectare.

“So the development work we’ve done has worked – it’s just a matter of getting people to invest.”

George Turney says the average age of asparagus growers has been heading the other way, and young people don’t seem interested in the sector.

“With the price of land as it is, and the youth of today looking for other opportunities in the cities, it’s great, but it’s losing that base.

“I looked around the (annual) conference, and you see the faces, my son’s in his mid 40s now, and they’re not getting any younger.

“And that’s an issue, because it is a hard job!”

Mr Turney says the Council’s proposal to continue the grower levy for another six years is under consideration.