Feds Label New Farmer Group 'Bad News'
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
The group in charge of the change are calling for experienced members of the industry to apply for positions on the Interim Apiculture Industry Governance Board (IGB).
Peter Bell, interim working group member and Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group vice-chairman says, “It is vital we have the best people to navigate a way forward in structuring and funding our industry.”
“The interim working group is charged with the goal of achieving a fully inclusive, fully funded industry group structure that will be the strong platform for future growth and prosperity of the industry, which is currently estimated to contribute an annual $5billion per annum to New Zealand’s economy.”
“There has been a consistent view that the new apiculture Industry body should include more than just beekeepers, and be reflective of who we are, as beekeepers and industry today. That is why the new apiculture body will be inclusive of all from beekeepers (large and small) and pollination through to food and health products and include hobby clubs and service companies.”
Bell says this means, the new 12 member Apiculture Industry Governance Board needs appropriately skilled representatives from commercial beekeeping, the hobbyist sector, honey export and domestic packers/marketers, and the health products and food manufacturing bee products sector. The inaugural Governance Board will be tasked with establishing the new group to be operational by Friday, April 1, 2016.
“This is an exciting time for the apiculture Industry and we are looking forward to from getting the right people for the job,” says Bell.
