Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers are attributing their reduced spray drift of up to 80 per cent to innovative technology made available by funding from the government's Sustainable Farming Fund.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated President Peter Ombler says the technology is now used by up to 80 per cent of kiwifruit spray contractors.

'I would say the majority, if not all the contractors, have changed to the AI (Air Induction) Nozzles, plus a lot of private orchards have too,” says Peter.

The 80 per cent reduction is reported in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's Sustainable Farming Fund 10 year report on its progress in helping to change farming practice.

The report highlights about $200 million invested in nearly 700 primary sector projects to develop more sustainable practices to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits.

Peter chaired the project to reduce the spray drift after an assessment by Environment Risk Management Authority.

'They said the bud-break sprays should remain being used, but also made it clear that the industry should self regulate.”

Peter says the 70-80 per cent reduction in spray drift has been a very pleasing result.

'ERMA is very happy with what we've done. It's been a big step forward and a very successful project.”

Currently, the fund grants up to $9 million annually to projects which contribute to the sustainable growth of New Zealand's land-based primary industries.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry deputy director general of policy Paul Stocks says the Ten Years of Grassroots Action report is an insight into the success of the fund along with some examples of innovative farmer, grower and forester-led projects from over the years.

'The SFF will continue to support a wide range of projects based on innovation and leadership within the primary sector,” says Paul.

'This type of farmer-initiated work will never stop as the sectors continue to evolve and respond to their economic, environmental and social surroundings.”