Wednesday, 06 March 2019 09:38

Fake news from ghost group

Written by 

Zespri says it is disappointed at the “inaccurate” claims being made by the anonymous Concerned Growers Collective.

Read: Ghost group opposes Zespri vote.

Zespri chief grower and alliance officer David Courtney says contrary to the group’s claims, the Government has never refused to authorise Zespri carrying out 12-month supply activities or ownership of plant variety rights (PVRs), he says.

Over the past 20 years these activities have added huge value to our industry, says Courtney. 

“This is reflected in the considerable increase in average returns, orchard values and Zespri’s profitability and returns to growers over successive seasons,” he says.  

“We believe securing grower support for these activities through the producer vote will enable us to continue to invest with confidence in our 12-month supply strategy and plant variety rights, and deliver positive orchard gate returns for New Zealand growers. 

“To walk away from these activities is to walk away from our shelf space and our consumers. 

“Voting against our 12-month supply activities and PVR ownership would mean the industry would be turning its back on the same 20-year strategy that has served it so well and ultimately have a negative impact on New Zealand grower returns.”

More like this

Export prices set to remain elevated

Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter