Lewis Farms is a berry and asparagus farm north of Levin. The farm has around 250,000 strawberry plants. Now, a planned expansion will push that up to 400,000. Also, its owners are doubling down on its mission to be more sustainable, while making the most of its geographic advantage. Horowhenua’s central location was a major benefit for the business.
Lewis Farms is situated between Manawatū and Wellington. This season, the grower has used solar panels installed on the roof of the main packing shed to produce 50% of the power needed for its daily operations. It complements their existing practice of minimizing food waste by using every berry they grow, be it destined for a punnet, a jam jar or ice cream.
However, Cam and Catherine Lewis’ business is still facing struggles around costs and labor shortages that have been industry-wide since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. While they’re hopeful a seasonal labor pipeline from Samoa will recover to pre-pandemic levels, they’re taking everything season by season.
Source: stuff.co.nz