Friday, 12 April 2024 07:25

Levy approval sought

Written by Peter Burke

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

NZ Apples and Pears Incorporated will hold a series of grower meetings as part of consultation on the funding of its levy.

A series of apple and pear grower meetings are being held around the country.

These are part of a consultation programme to determine whether growers will continue to fund a levy to support their industry organisation NZ Apples and Pears Incorporated (NZAPI).

NZAPI is legally mandated by the Government to collect a levy from commercial apple and pear growers to fund the support and services it provides as the industry body. A vote of growers is undertaken every six years to either continue or reject this levy.

The current levy for NZAPI expires on 16 January 2025 and during the last few months growers opinions' have been sought by various means - including face-to-face regional meetings, webinars, newsletters, and public notices. In April, a referendum will be held for all potential levy payers to vote on the Commodity Levy.

All apple and pear and growers who grow apples and pears in New Zealand - which are or may be sold for consumption as whole fresh fruit, or sold for resale as whole fresh fruit, or exported as whole fresh fruit - are eligible to vote. Each trading entity is entitled to one vote. Voting will be open from 9am Monday 8 April to 12 noon Friday 3 May 2024, which is taking place online and by post.

If growers decided to continue with the levy, a formal application will be made in May from NZAPI to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requesting renewal of the Levy Order.

NZAPI says more than 30 years on, the levy continues to be the foundation of what it as an industry body does for the industry.

More like this

NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach

The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.

Editorial: Happy days

OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.

Stinging response

OPINION: MPI's response to the yellow-legged hornet has received a mixed report card from New Zealand Beekeeping Inc (NZBI), with praise for the Ministry's expansion of response funding and front-line efforts in Auckland, but a sting in the tail - criticising MPI for not focusing enough on regions outside the big smoke.

Stable but uncertain year ahead for New Zealand primary exports – MPI

A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.

Restrictions on fruits, vegetables movement in Mt Roskill

Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

Featured

IrrigationNZ warns RMA reform may miss water needs

Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.

Zespri Expands RubyRed™ Kiwifruit to 16 Markets as Volumes Surge

More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.

Rural Communities Receive Wellbeing Boost

The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.

Pork Prices Hold Steady as Food Costs Rise Across New Zealand

New data shows that pork remains one of the more affordable meat options for New Zealand households at a time when grocery costs continue to put pressure on budgets.

Jessica Kilday wins BrightSIDE dairy scholarship

The South Island Dairy Event's BrightSIDE has named Jessica Kilday as the recipient of the BrightSIDE Scholarship, recognising her commitment to furthering her education and future career in the New Zealand dairy industry.

Global First: Fertile Hybrid Grass Could Transform Future Pastures

Scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao has achieved a successful cocksfoot-ryegrass cross capable of producing fertile seed, a world-first.