A recent visit by the Troppo/Vector Group Charitable Trust to Bay Tropics, an inspiring 9-hectare property in Oropi, has shed light on a local couple’s passion for sustainable horticulture and community. The trust’s visit, which included a productive plant swap, showcased the impressive work of owners Rebekah (Beks) Vlaanderen and Graeme (Hoppy) Hopcroft.
The trust was particularly inspired by the property’s diverse landscape, which includes not only a stunning passionfruit setup but also a thriving food forest. The dedication to a holistic approach is evident in the presence of chickens and ducks, and a large area of native bush and wetlands that the couple has planted out, contributing significantly to local biodiversity.
This hands-on approach to farming and conservation is a continuation of the couple’s journey, which began in 2017 when Beks traded an IT career for horticulture. As featured in a recent article, she and Hoppy have faced significant challenges, including the devastating passionfruit wilt fungus that has affected growers across the Bay of Plenty. Beks, who previously served as president of the NZ Passionfruit Growers Association, is at the forefront of a project trialing Australian rootstock to find a wilt-resistant solution for local growers.
Despite these hurdles, the couple remains passionate and optimistic. Beks emphasizes the satisfaction of growing food and the importance of diversification, noting that other crops like tamarillos, dwarf Cavendish bananas, and rocoto chillis are thriving. The property’s resilience is further supported by their shift to organic principles and a focus on soil health, a journey they share with their community through their online venture, Bay Tropics.
Born during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Bay Tropics was created to connect directly with customers and partner with other small local growers. This initiative not only ensured a market for their produce but also fostered a sense of community among like-minded farmers. Check out their Facebook page and Instagram profile.
As they continue to work towards a sustainable future, Beks and Hoppy’s orchard serves as a beacon of dedication and innovation. Their story is a testament to the rewards of hard work and the enduring passion for the land, proving that even with challenges, the joy of growing and connecting with nature is well worth the effort.
Visit Troppo for read more: https://www.troppo.nz/troppo-plant-and-garden-articles/initiatives-collaboration/foodforests-nz/from-it-to-orchard-a-journey-of-passion-perseverance-and-poultry-at-bay-tropics/
