King's Honour stuff
OPINION: The release of the King's Birthday Honours list would normally be Milking It's cue to moan about how agriculture, the backbone of the economy, had again been overlooked.
The council comprises four small product groups - Onions NZ, Tomatoes NZ, Vegetables NZ and Process Vegetables NZ.
Stewart told Rural News that existing product groups boards and levies will be maintained but they will come together as a unified sector to ensure the vegetable sector is heard and listened to by government in Wellington.
"As small groups, they generally don't get the profile needed," she says.
"We will have one strong voice on key issues like when engaging with government agencies and making submissions on policies and other big-ticket items like biosecurity."
Unified Approach to Shared Challenges
Stewart points out that each group is different Onions NZ is strongly export focussed while fresh vegetable growers are domestic focused.
But they are facing similar challenges like productivity, land use changes and growth margins under threat by increasing input costs.
She says over the coming months, the council will identify issues that can be handled better by Horticulture NZ, the over-arching body representing the sector.
"We will need to work where Hort NZ will take the lead on as they have a lot of good resources and the sand pit the council plays in."
Stewart says the council won't be investing large chunks of new money in projects.
Instead, it will focus on strengthening the voice of vegetable growers.
Experienced Leadership at a Pivotal Time
Stewart stepped down as chief executive officer of the Foundation for Arable Research last year after seven years in the role.
She says she welcomes the opportunity to provide leadership and work with the commercial vegetable industry to ensure it receives the recognition it deserves.
"New Zealand's vegetable growers put healthy food on New Zealanders' tables 365 days a year and generate approximately $1.1b in revenue," says Stewart.
"They provide employment for nearly 10,000 people while at the same time playing a critical role as custodians of the environment.
"While there are many challenges, there are also many opportunities to grow better and smarter. This is why I jumped at the chance to be involved at this pivotal time in the New Zealand vegetable industry's trajectory."
New CEO
Mike Brown has been appointed inaugural chief executive officer of the NZ Vegetable Council (NZ Veg).
Brown who has extensive experience in primary industries, governance, trade and advocacy - takes up his new role in August.
NZVeg board chair, Alison Stewart, says Brown is recognised for building collaborative relationships across industry, government and the export sector.
"His leadership approach combines strategic thinking with a strong commitment to supporting people, strengthening organisations and delivering long-term value for members."
Brown has held senior leadership and governance roles in primary sector organisations in 25 years. He has been chief executive of the Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative since 2020 and is also chair of Cooperative Business NZ and the NZ Blackcurrant Cooperative.
"Vegetables are such an essential part of healthy communities, and the sector has a direct connection to wellbeing, sustainability and regional prosperity," says Brown.
Brown says he will work to ensure the vegetable sector remains strong and resilient.
