Wednesday, 07 December 2016 15:13

Horticulture exporters gain flexibility from law changes

Written by 
Mike Chapman. Mike Chapman.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) welcomes the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority (HEA) Amendment Bill passed late yesterday, says chief executive Mike Chapman.

"Clarity around export market entry and exit, as well as the flexibility of multi-tier export licensing are key changes that will benefit horticulture exporters," Chapman says.

"When we submitted on the Bill we asked for that clarity to encourage exports and tiered licensing to allow for market development and exploration.

"This is an enabling piece of legislation that modernises the Act of 1987, HortNZ welcomes its passing.

"Horticulture is going through a period of rapid growth and we need the support of Government to assist export growth. This new law creates more trade opportunities so that exporters can work together in a collective, through joint marketing, to achieve greater market penetration, volume, and value sales.

“The HEA mechanism helps these exporters collectively navigate a trading environment that carries both risks and rewards and is particularly useful where an industry wants to establish a market presence in a new export destination.

"New Zealand’s horticulture exporters punch well above their weight in overseas’ markets. What this amendment does is strength their ability to successfully market our growers’ produce and retain New Zealand’s reputation for exporting high-quality and safe produce.

"There are nine product groups using the HEA structure - avocado, blackcurrant, buttercup squash, chestnut, kiwifruit to Australia, persimmon, summer fruit, tamarillo and truffle exporters - and others may join as they see the benefits from these amendments to the HEA structure."

More like this

HortNZ Backs National’s Plan for Vegetable Growers

The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

Featured

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.

National

Machinery & Products

Claas Balers Turn 30

Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter