Boost for hort exports
The horticulture sector is a big winner from recent free trade deals sealed with the Gulf states, says Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Ahern has contributed to the development of the horticulture industry for over 40 years.
“Mick is known for his common sense and ability – after everyone else has exhausted themselves with talking – to sum up the situation and provide wise counsel, while pointing to the best if not only way forward,” says O’Neil.
Ahern started in the industry in the 1970s as a university student when he wrote a case study on the kiwifruit industry’s development, something that lead to roles in a then-fledgling kiwifruit export industry.
He went on to roles in the onion export industry and then a position exporting a range of horticulture products.
“Next, Mick turned his attention to consulting, with an emphasis on export businesses and industry good organisations,” says O’Neil. “That is certainly where he has focused in the past ten years, with undisputed success in the onions and strawberry areas, leaving behind fit for purpose organisations with a focus on the future.”
Ahern says today’s horticulture industry leaders “have one hell of a job”.
“That is why they need the industry’s support to deal with the volume and complexity of challenge and change that the industry faces.”
