HortNZ levy vote referendum looms
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
It's a simple equation: If Auckland spreads its housing into our fruit and vegetable production land - we all pay more for food.
Horticulture New Zealand says if more houses are built on the most productive rural land then we can all expect to pay more for fresh vegetables and fruit.
"We know we need a bigger Auckland, but do we want to pay $10 a kilo for vegetables imported from China?" HortNZ natural resources manager Chris Keenan says.
HortNZ is worried the true cost of uncontrolled Auckland sprawl is not understood.
There is food grown now in Pukekohe and around Auckland which cannot be grown anywhere else in the country at certain times of the year.
Uncontrolled sprawl does not just effect land availability, it also can disrupt water supply by blocking aquifer recharge.
"If that land disappears under houses, then we will either eat imported product at ridiculous prices, or go without.
"Allowing Auckland city to continue to spread on to productive areas is a food security nightmare waiting to happen."
This issue is far too important to allow any political party, or all of them, to use it to score political points.
HortNZ fully supports the efforts of the Auckland Council to establish a Rural Urban Boundary which is based on thorough research, adequate science and established community need.
It also recognises the need for more housing and has already offered solutions to the Unitary Plan independent panel.
"Food security and food production values need to be part of this discussion. Auckland Council is trying to do this and we will continue to work with them where we can," Keenan says.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
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Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
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