Farmers in Gazette are looking to wattle seeds to help provide an alternative income source from their land.
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Jeff and Morna Semmens have planted 350 wattle trees, from six different species, in a trial to determine which is the most suitable for future food production.
"Wattle seeds have a very high nutritional value," Mrs Semmens said.
"They can be used in a variety of different foods including cakes, muffins, coffee, whiskey and beer.
"I have even heard about them being used in pavlova."
Mrs Semmens said wattle seeds are very high in fibre, high in protein and carbohydrate with a very low glycemic index.
"The seeds are recognised as being a good source of magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron and selenium," she said.
"At the moment the demand for wattle seeds far outweighs the supply, which is dominated by the wild harvest."
Jeff Semmens said the wattle seed trial was important to diversify the income base from the farm.
"We need an alternative low-input, low-cost crop. We are just trying to reestablish an indigenous food crop," he said
"We have set up a one-acre trial site to see which is the best species to grow on the stony country near Mount Napier."
"There are six varieties, planted in rows so we know exactly which one is the best."
Third-generation Gazette farmer Callum Mirtschin said it was good to find alternative uses for land where it was difficult to muster stock.
"We can't increase the amount of grass available on parts of our property to increase the stocking rates," he said.
"It's a great option to find a different use for the less productive parts of our property.
"Farmers need to find ways to diversify their income streams, and the wattle planting help with shelter belts for the stock as well."
An information workshop, plantation and nursery tour on November 22 and 23 will visit wattle seed production sites on south-west properties, with a dinner in Hamilton featuring wattle seed cuisine on the Friday night. For more information visit the Gazette Land Action Group Facebook site.
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