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 country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
A copy of HortNZ’s levy proposal will be mailed to farmers next week. The proposal will be discussed at online grower meetings- dates and times are to be advised.
A referendum of growers will be held from midnight, Tuesday 14 May to midday, Friday 14 June 2024. Voting packs will be sent to growers in May.
HortNZ is telling growers that voting in the upcoming referendum is important. Currently growers pay a levy of 0.14% with a maximum levy of 0.15%.
“It’s important that you vote because the levy must be supported by more than half the participants in the referendum, representing more than half the value of total production,” it says.
“A yes majority vote will mean HortNZ continues to promote and protect your interests in an everchanging environment. A no majority vote will mean an end to HortNZ - the organisation would be wound up, there would no longer be an advocacy body dedicated to working on behalf of growers.
“Events such as Young Grower of the Year and programmes such as Growing Change will end. The sector will lose capability and vital relationships.”
HortNZ represents the interests of commercial fruit and vegetable growers in New Zealand who grow around 100 different fruits and vegetables. The sector provides over 40,000 jobs. There are 80,000 hectares of land in New Zealand producing fruit and vegetables for domestic consumers and supplying our global trading partners with high quality food.
According to latest Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) figures, the industry’s total exports reached $4.67 billion while domestic sales topped $2.81bn.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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