The economic potential of Gevuina avellana in New Zealand planted forests

Abstract

Gevuina avellana (gevuina) is a South American tree that produces edible nuts. This study conceptualizes the transformation of a planted radiata forest into an agroforestry system that integrates radiata and gevuina trees to produce timber and Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). This study assesses the economic potential of growing gevuina nuts in a New Zealand planted forest case study. Findings suggest that planted forests offer the potential for commercial scale using land use opportunities created around road infrastructure, and in pocket areas connected by roads. The economic returns determined in this study were significant, even in small areas. The key to realising this potential will be in the identification and use of the production strategies to handle the complex system.