Thursday, 14 September 2023 09:25

Grow more veggies!

Written by  Staff Reporters
VNZI believes growing more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down. VNZI believes growing more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down.

Being able to grow more vegetables could be one way to bring prices down, according to Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated (VNZI).

It also believes this would lead to improved health outcomes for New Zealanders and support an industry that is vital to the country.

“There’s massive support, particularly in the health and education sectors, for taking steps to make healthy fresh New Zealand vegetables more available to Kiwis,” says VNZI chair, John Murphy.

He adds that the New Zealand vegetable industry needs fit for purpose regulations that allow vegetable operations to thrive, by encouraging investment in vegetable production and eliminating hurdles that limit productivity.

“Ultimately, any effort to make it easier for Kiwis to eat more locally grown vegetables is good for New Zealand society.”

Murphy also claims the debate about removing GST from food has been welcomed by the vegetable sector.

“VNZI applauds any attempt by regulators to increase fresh vegetable consumption and make it easier for growers to be viable because of the health benefits,” he explains.

“If changing tax settings would decrease the cost that consumers and growers face, then we should look seriously at a change.”

More like this

Vegetable growing at risk

Horticulture New Zealand says the country’s ability to provide fresh, healthy vegetables is at risk unless the Government makes growing them a permitted activity.

$10 cucumbers?

OPINION: The Hound hears John Murphy, chair of Veg NZ, reckons greenhouse vege producers face severe challenges due to changes in the ETS.

Vegetable prices expected to ease

It is predicted that the monthly Food Price Index due to be released next week will show an easing in vegetable prices, with industry insiders saying the trend is set to continue as we head into winter.

Featured

Carrfields invests in new Ashburton R&D hub

The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter