HortNZ Welcomes Plant Variety Rights Amendments for Growers and Breeders
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
Horticulture New Zealand says the Government cannot "cherry-pick" its way through the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum.
HortNZ says it supports the 60 recommendations. But it does so with stern words of caution for the Government.
"This is an all or nothing situation for horticulture," Horticulture New Zealand natural resources and environment manager Chris Keenan says.
"The intent of this report, and the three that preceded it, is clear – to maximise the economic benefits of fresh water while managing within quality and quantity limits, set by the whole community.
"Achieving this requires everyone to play their part, and that's what all 60 of these recommendations, and the ones made previously aim to encourage.
"Only implementing some of the recommendations, and avoiding or ignoring others, will upset the delicate balance that has been achieved so far by all the sectors involved."
The fundamentals of the beef and lamb sector are sound, despite some challenges on the horizon, says Beef+Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland.
For the third season in a row, Fonterra farmers are in for a farmgate milk price near $10/kgMS.
The chief executive of Apples and Pears New Zealand, Danielle Adsett, says fruit quality this year is phenomenal and the sector is hitting crop estimates, which is great for growers.
Centre right parties are backing policy positions pushed by three farmer lobby groups ahead of the general election.
Waikato agribusiness leader Geoff Maber has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours.
Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table have partnered together to celebrate a versatile vegetable and the people behind it.

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