HortNZ supports new water storage plan
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.
New Zealand’s horticulture sector is projected to reach a record $8 billion by 30 June 2025.
According to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report from the Ministry for Primary Industries, kiwifruit exports are set to exceed $3 billion for the first time.
Apple and Pear exports are also predicted to increase, this time to $1 billion.
Fresh and processed vegetable export revenue is expected to rebound and increase by 7%, reaching $770 million while cherries are forecast to increase 7% to $98 million.
A forecast rebound for avocados will see export revenue increasing 147% to $91 million.
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says this is “great news” for grower who she says have demonstrated resilience following the extreme weather challenges of 2023.
“However, it is important to remember that greater export revenue for the horticulture sector does not necessarily translate into greater profitability for growers because they are facing increased costs of production,” Scott says.
“We want New Zealand to thrive by sharing our world-class kiwifruit, apples, avocados, onions, cherries, and other produce with millions of consumers globally,” she adds.
Scott says the report reinforces Horticulture New Zealand’s confidence in the sector’s potential to double farm gate revenue by 2035, in line with the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan unveiled last year.
“To achieve this, we need the government to support our industry by fostering resilience to climate change, protecting vital vegetable growing areas, investing in sustainable land and water use, and accelerating research and development,” she says.
“The sector remains committed to collaborating with the Government to ensure horticulture’s continued success, benefiting New Zealand’s economy, environment, and communities,” Scott concludes.
Farmer-owned co-operative Ravensdown is winding down the operations of its agritech subsidiary C-Dax following a long decline in sales.
The recent East Coast Farming Expo, held over two days at Wairoa, offered an insight into the current state of agriculture on the east of the North Island, at a time when the locals are remembering the second anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A Research programme supported by Beef+Lamb NZ is investigating the potential of ‘accelerometer’ sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
In the past year, the Farmer Time for Schools programme which seeks to connect New Zealand school students with farmers, has experienced further growth.
Fresh Carriers Co. Ltd (FCC) and Zespri have completed the first ever kiwifruit charter powered by a low-emissions fuel.
New Zealand lingerie brand Rose & Thorne is expanding its virtual bra fitting service in an effort to provide rural women in with better access to specialised advice.
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