Horticulture roadmap aims to double farmgate returns by 2035
The Government and horticulture sector have unveiled a new roadmap with an aim to double horticulture farmgate returns by 2035.
Horticulture New Zealand says it is keen to work with the government in the post-Covid recovery.
“We’re keen to continue to work constructively with Minister Damien O’Conner, including in his new role as Trade and Export Growth Economic Minister,” says HortNZ president, Barry O’Neil.
The grower organisation says it also wants to ensure the horticulture industry is enabled to grow, while at the same time responding to its environmental and climate change obligations.
“In 2019, the New Zealand horticulture industry was worth more $6.39 billion and has grown by 64% in the past ten years. That is thanks to industry innovation and grower investment in new varieties and growing techniques to stay ahead of international competition and respond to consumer preferences.
“This growth is also because the industry is a sustainable user of land.”
O’Neil says while the future is promising, the horticulture industry’s most pressing issue is right now is finding enough seasonal labour for the coming harvest.
“We estimate that even with a significant uplift in the numbers of New Zealanders being employed, we will still have a shortfall of approximately 10,000 people.
“That is why we want to see the border opened now so people from Covid-free Pacific nations can come and work the harvest, as they have done for the past 13 years under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.”
O’Neil says other horticulture industry challenges include water storage, biosecurity protection and ensuring that vegetable growing can continue in New Zealand.
Alliance is urging its farmer-shareholders to have their say on the proposed $250 million strategic investment partnership with Dawn Meats Group.
To mark International Rural Women's Day on 15 October, Women in Horticulture (WiH) and United Fresh New Zealand Inc. are sponsoring the Inspiring Wāhine Conference 2025.
Farmers are welcoming the Government’s revised science-based biogenic methane targets for 2050.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
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