Big boots to fill!
NZ Avocado Growers Association chief executive Jen Scoular will step down in August after serving 12 years in the role.
The New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association (NZAGA) announced their new chair will be Linda Flegg.
Flegg is the first woman to be appointed to the position in the association’s 40-year history.
She has previously served as director at Morris Moore Farms and Kauripak.
Flegg was elected NZ Avocado Industry director in 2016 and Vice Chair of NZAGA in 2018.
“Linda is absolutely the right choice for the role of chair,” said Karen Pickford, NZ Avocado Industry director.
“Her plentiful amount of experience in the industry, plus her knowledge as a packer means she is a great all rounder,” Pickford said.
Flegg said it is an exciting time to be in the avocado industry.
She added that she looked forward to being a part of enhancing the opportunities and tackling the challenges that may impact the industry in the future.
“Environment and sustainability are going to be a huge challenge and we are progressing work in that space,” Flegg said.
She said that those coming into the industry are often aware of the challenges involved in the industry.
“Orchardists are producing food so must meet strict food safety compliance, and for export must meet mandatory industry standards.
“Smaller holdings sometimes find these compliance costs expensive and challenging to manage but ensuring our food is safe is hugely important.”
Flegg replaces Tony Ponder who stepped down at the annual general meeting in August.
Flegg was one of three people appointed to new positions in 2020, with Alistair Nicholson appointed as vice chair and Paula Kearns elected to be NZAGA at large representative and NZ Avocado Industry director.
Flegg was one of three people appointed to new positions in 2020.
Alistair Nicholson was appointed as vice chair, replacing Flegg, and Paula Kearns has been named the new NZAGA at large representative and NZ Avocado Industry director.
Labour's agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton says while New Zealand needs more housing, sacrificing our best farmland to get there is not the answer.
Profitability issues facing arable farmers are the same across the world, says New Zealand's special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr.
Over 85% of Fonterra farmer suppliers will be eligible for customer funding up to $1,500 for solutions designed to drive on-farm efficiency gains and reduce emissions intensity.
Tighter beef and lamb production globally have worked to the advantage of NZ, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Groundswell is ramping up its 'Quit Paris' campaign with signs going up all over the country.
Some farmers in the Nelson region are facing up to five years of hard work to repair their damaged properties caused by the recent devastating floods.
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…
OPINION: The huge success of former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's new TV show, Clarkson's Farm, and the boost it…