Roadmap set to double hort exports by 2035
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
The Growers Relief Fund will be collecting donations to support Tonga's recovery after the recent tsunami.
The horticulture and wine grape industries in New Zealand are collecting donations to help with the recovery in Tonga, following a tsunami in the country.
“Our industries, in particular those who employ workers from Tonga, have been saddened by news of the tsunami and its impact,” says the horticulture industry labour collective, comprising NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Kiwifruit Growers, Summerfruit NZ, NZ Wine, NZ Ethical Employers, and HortNZ.
“Our focus is on helping the economy of Tonga recover. That’s because the immediate response is in hand, thanks to the efforts of governments, civil defence and agencies like the Red Cross.
“We are using the Growers Relief Fund to collect donations to support the recovery. As has happened previously, money donated by our industry will be used to help small businesses, such as market gardens, recover.”
The collective says that, in some areas, donations will be used to rebuild community buildings.
“Our industries will also be ensuring the approximately 1,000 workers from Tonga currently in New Zealand working are well supported, now and in the coming months. We are working with our growers and employers on that,” the collective says.
The Growers Relief Fund is a charity designed to help support growers in an adverse event, with wellness or when additional support is needed.
The fund also helps people working in the horticulture industry who need assistance.
Growers, employers and other parts of the horticulture and wine grape industries can donate by going to https://horticulturenewzealand.formstack.com/forms/grower_relief_fund_donation_form.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…