Vegetable growing at risk

Michelle Sands, Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) general manager strategy and policy, says that without urgent changes in resource management, New Zealand risks losing a significant portion of its homegrown food supply by 2030.

“Our country’s food security and access to fresh, nutritious vegetables are on the line,” she says.

“Without immediate action, the risk of shortages and rising prices will become a harsh reality for Kiwi families.”

Sands says this means it’s essential for vegetable growing to become a permitted activity in the current round of resource management reforms.

“The decisions made by the Government in the coming months will shape the future of regional food production until at least 2030,” she says.

Meanwhile, John Murphy, chair of Vegetables NZ, says a nationwide approach is required to protect growers and ensure long-term food security.

“The current system is broken,” he says. “Growers are being strangled by regional decisions that take too long, make no sense, and ultimately drive them out of business.”

He says the horticulture sector is committed to sustainability and responsible food production, ensuring healthy people, a healthy environment and thriving regional economies.

“To achieve this, vegetable growing must be granted permitted activity status immediately,” Murphy says.

“However, the long-term solution lies in establishing a National Environmental Standard for Commercial Vegetable Production that requires growers to operate with a freshwater farm plan.”

He says this will allow growers to focus on feeding New Zealand with fresh produce.

“If we want a future where New Zealanders can continue to enjoy affordable, nutritious vegetables, we must support our growers today.”