NZ Kiwifruit Growers Set for Higher Returns Despite Risks
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
Horticulture New Zealand presented its inaugural President’s Award to lifelong kiwifruit industry supporter and grower Ian Greaves last week.
HortNZ president Julian Raine presented the award at the Horticulture New Zealand conference awards dinner in Rotorua.
The new award is intended to recognise outstanding and inspiring leadership within the horticulture industry.
Greaves has spent his life in the Bay of Plenty where he has experienced the ups and downs of the horticulture industry.
In 2010, Psa disease began wiping out New Zealand kiwifruit crop and Greaves realised that growers needed support. He developed a unique framework to give rural people the opportunity to communicate about their feelings and situations.
“Ian provided life-saving pastoral support to growers during this time,” says Raine.
“He has made a positive difference to our industry by developing a system that deals with the seriousness of life during rural crisis.”
“He has helped rural people to recognise stress is something that does not have to be endured on your own.”
Other awards presented at the event were the horticulture industry’s premier award, the Bledisloe Cup, to Hawke’s Bay consultant John Wilton, and industry service awards to berry fruit scientist Geoff Langford and former HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock.
John Wilton was recognised for his long-serving commitment to the pipfruit industry.
The industry service awards were also presented for the first time.
Dougal Morrison has been elected as the new President of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA).
Perrin Ag has appointed Vicky Ferris as its new Hawke's Bay consultant.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is encouraging teachers to register school groups for the 2026 National Fieldays, set to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre from 10-13 June.
The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Potatoes New Zealand has become much more than a grower body, according to Pukekohe grower Bharat Bhana.
The country's kiwifruit growers seem to have escaped much of the predicted wrath of Cyclone Vaianu which hit the east coast of the North Island this month.

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