India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
Lachlan McKay brings more than three decades of experience to the delivery of plan, which focuses on bolstering long-term productivity for Indian apple growers.
The appointment marks an important step in the delivery of the New Zealand industry’s commitment within the FTA, which comes into force on October 20.
Indian growers produce an average of six metric tonnes of apples per hectare, compared to NZ growers doing 120MT/ha. The Indian climate is extremely hot. The cool chain is difficult and the rootstocks and the varieties are very old.
To win access for NZ apples under FTA, New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI) went to the NZ Government with a co-operation plan: if NZ apples were included in the FTA, they would send experts to India for five years post-FTA at their own cost to help Indian growers lift production.
Last week, McKay was in India alongside NZAPI chief executive Danielle Adsett and Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE) Nathan Guy. They visited Himachal Pradesh, one of India’s key apple-growing regions, to speak with growers in the region, and saw a proposed site for the Plan’s Centre of Excellence.
Implementation of the AAP will roll out over the next five years, with McKay expected to spend significant time in-market to coordinate activities, support strategic relationships, and oversee projects. The AAP’s delivery will be supported by New Zealand growers, technical experts and scientists.
Adsett says McKay’s appointment signals the beginning of an exciting new phase of the sector’s commitment to the FTA.
“We’re excited to have Lachlan on board and to get started on the Apple Action Plan. Lachlan brings extensive horticultural experience, particularly in apples, strong commercial acumen, and his appointment provides the capability and focus needed to deliver tangible outcomes for Indian Growers, supported by our New Zealand growers, experts and scientists, over the next five years.
“The upcoming SATE visit is an opportunity to build on already established relationships, progress collaborative projects and advance implementation of the Apple Action Plan.
“India’s apple sector is fast evolving and there is enormous value in sharing knowledge between our industries, but most importantly this is about delivering on our commitment to the long-term development of their sector.”
NZAPI will continue to provide regular updates to growers and industry stakeholders as the India Action Plan progresses and key milestones are achieved.
