Vegetable growing at risk
Horticulture New Zealand says the country’s ability to provide fresh, healthy vegetables is at risk unless the Government makes growing them a permitted activity.
That’s according to Vegetables New Zealand chair John Murphy.
“The weather’s been warm and wet as we head into winter when growing slows down,” he says in response to the release of the April 2023 food price index.
The index, released today by Stats NZ, reported a 12.5% annual increase in food prices.
The prices of fruit and vegetables rose 22.5%, an increase Stats NZ says is largely driven by tomatoes, avocados and potatoes.
“We have large and small vegetable growers spread across New Zealand,” says Murphy.
He says that this helps the industry ensure a continuity of supply, something he says is important if a severe weather event occurs in one area, setting it back three to four months.
“Last winter, we advised consumers to buy in season and that’s the advice we’re giving again as we move into the colder and darker months.
“We’d also like to encourage consumers to continue to support their country’s vegetable industry,” he says. “Our industry provides jobs for thousands of New Zealanders, in regions up and down the country, while at the same time providing kiwis with fresh, healthy, great tasting food.”
