Waitaki Grown: Promising Results from Year One Medicinal Crop Trials
Published on 25 July 2025
Waitaki Grown is pleased to share early results from the first harvest of the Waitaki Grown medicinal crop trials, including encouraging phytochemical test results from four promising root crops: Astragalus, Baical Skullcap, Liquorice, and Withania.
Waitaki Grown is a collaborative project between Waitaki District Council and farmers to support land use diversification in Waitaki to add resilience and support economic growth of our vital primary sector. The project looks to develop new crops, new products and access new high value markets.
This marks a significant milestone for the Waitaki Grown project, which is exploring the viability of growing high-value medicinal plants in our unique environment. Testing was carried out by one of Australasia’s most reputable phytochemical laboratories, with results providing critical insights into the potential of these crops for future commercialisation.
Key Findings from Year 1 Phytochemistry Testing
- Astragalus showed strong phytochemical content, with saponin levels (specifically astragalosides) exceeding those in high-quality reference samples. This is particularly exciting given this was a first-year crop and the crop is traditionally grown over a two year cycle
- Baical Skullcap also performed well, with 9.22% baicalin—a key bioactive compound—detected in our sample. This is close to the 10.72% benchmark from the reference material and suggests strong potential to cultivate this crop as an annual in Waitaki conditions.
- Liquorice returned lower levels of glycyrrhizic acid in its first year, which was expected. The crop typically requires 2–3 years to reach peak phytochemical content and yield. These early findings reinforce the need for multi-year cultivation trials.
- Withania (Ashwagandha) presented more modest results, with lower withanolide levels compared to benchmarks. However, it remains a viable candidate for local processing due to its ease of cultivation and potential market for lower-grade material.
Council’s Business and Enterprise Growth lead, Rebecca Finlay, said: “These results are a major step forward for Waitaki Grown. We’re learning what works here, how to improve crop quality and yields, and which species have the strongest commercial potential growing in our climate. The results for Astragalus and Baical Skullcap are particularly encouraging. These crops could provide a high-value diversification option for our farming sector. On the back of a challenging growing year where we had major weed problems a positive result like this is the motivation the team needed to continue with this innovative project”
Looking Ahead
The project team is using these findings to refine planting and harvesting strategies in Year Two, with a focus on improving phytochemical content, trialling different growing methods, and evaluating two-year crops next autumn.
The Waitaki Grown project is also exploring future research partnerships, including applications in animal health and soil wellbeing. This reflects a broader vision for integrated land use systems that support environmental and economic sustainability in the district.
Mayor for the Waitaki District, Gary Kircher said: “Projects like Waitaki Grown are about exploring future pathways for farmers and land use in the District. North Otago has some of the best growing soil in the country, and working with our farmers to support land use diversification into medicinal crops as an alternative, high-value option, will ensure we get the best out of it.”
Waitaki District Council’s Chief Executive, Alex Parmley, said: “Our transformed organisation is all about partnering with our communities to achieve the best results for the Waitaki District. This innovative crop trial is about supporting our farmers in exploring how we can diversify the way we farm in Waitaki, adding resilience to our agricultural sector and ensuring it continues to drive economic growth in our district.”
More Information
Community members or potential growers who would like to learn more or get involved in Year Two trials are encouraged to contact the Waitaki Grown team via Waitaki District Council.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Rebecca Finlay
Economic Development Advisor – Waitaki District Council
03 433 0300 rebecca.finlay@waitaki.govt.nz