Govt urged to focus on hort
Horticulture NZ Barry O’Neil wants the incoming government to have a greater focus on horticulture.
“Fresh, New Zealand-grown tomatoes are in good supply as we enter spring,” says Tomatoes New Zealand chair, Barry O’Neil.
“But we also have significant volumes of imported irradiated Australian tomatoes in the market (almost 168.5 tonnes in June and July 2023).”
O’Neil explains that some imported fresh produce is irradiated to lessen the risk of fruit fly coming into New Zealand. It is a requirement that irradiated fresh produce be labelled so that consumers are aware.
“The industry has had several challenging years, where it has had to manage disease pressures, mainly due to the very poor weather,” he explains. “Also, being part of the ETS, along with ongoing production cost increases, has put many growers in uncertain financial positions.”
O’Neil says, over winter, retailers will import cheaper fresh tomatoes from Australia, which are not subject to similar ETS costs in Australia. He adds this means New Zealand growers compete on an unlevel playing field.
“However, by buying New Zealand-grown tomatoes, consumers will be supporting local growers and helping to ensure New Zealand’s long-term food security, by supporting local jobs and businesses.”
