Tuesday, 04 November 2014 00:00

Kiwifruit case on hold

Written by Rural News Group

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THE KIWIFRUIT Claim had not been lodged with the High Court late last week, but it was understood the group was planning a public statement shortly.

The group, taking a class action against the Government over Psa, had initially said it would lodge the claim with the court earlier last month.

Kiwifruit Claim chairman John Cameron told Rural News last week it still had not been lodged but further information would be released soon.

The latest statement from the group claims 15% of gold growers had signed up and paid their one-off capped contributions of $500, $1000 or $1500 depending on the size of their orchard.

Green growers were not as badly affected by Psa so signup among them is lower, at 7% by volume so far, it says.

In addition, post-harvest operator Seeka has signed up and paid to become a plaintiff.

Cameron says a large number of growers and some post-harvest operators were wanting to take more time to consider the matter.

Others have questions about some clauses of the deed of participation between plaintiffs and the litigation funder.

“We’ve also asked the litigation funder to look at some of the clauses that have been the subject of scaremongering, and that work is in progress.

“While the committee is confident they do not present any risk to growers or post-harvest operators, LPF says they will look at some of the wording to see if they can be made clearer still.”

Growers and post-harvest operators would have until a date to be determined by the High Court to sign up to the claim once it is filed.

The claim will seek directions that growers and post-harvest operators be given an additional six months to opt in.

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