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.
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.”
