Roadmap set to double hort exports by 2035
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
Border officials sent two foreign air passengers packing last Friday after they tried to smuggle seeds through Auckland airport.
The seeds were found after a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) quarantine inspector became suspicious of two Chinese passport holders arriving from Shanghai and sent them to have their luggage searched.
The search unearthed 14 foil-wrapped packages of seeds. The packages had been concealed under the inner soles of shoes, within a carton lining, in a handbag and in some wedding invitations.
A police officer also conducted a personal search of one of the passengers after a MPI detector dog gave a positive indication when sniffing the pair.
As a result of the seed find, immigration officials refused the husband and wife entry permission to the country. They were sent back to China that night and are unlikely to be granted visas to enter New Zealand in the future.
"The pair acted recklessly. They either ignored or failed to understand that the illegal importation of seeds could devastate New Zealand's horticulture industry or native plant life," says MPI's Craig Hughes, Manager North Passenger and Mail.
He says the successful outcome was the result of positive interaction between all border agencies.
The seeds have yet to be identified.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says fruit and vegetable growers around the country will be delighted to hear of MPI's dealings with the two illegal seed importers.
"MPI's decision to just send them back to where they came from suits growers just fine," says president Andrew Fenton.
"People who deliberately try to smuggle seeds into this country need to be sent packing.
"It would be nice if we could fine them heaps as well, but this sends a much stronger message to their friends, families and their own wallets."
Strong biosecurity protection is a major key to the continued growth of New Zealand's horticulture industry. "Vigilance at our border will always be the backbone for growth of all our primary sector industries. We can't grow without that protection.
"Anyone who threatens our border should get a quick look at the Arrivals Hall and then be turned around fast back to where they came from," Fenton says.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
Following a recent overweight incursion that saw a Mid-Canterbury contractor cop a $12,150 fine, the rural contracting industry is calling time on what they consider to be outdated and unworkable regulations regarding weight and dimensions that they say are impeding their businesses.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says his officials plan to meet their US counterparts every month from now on to better understand how the 15% tariff issue there will play out, and try and get some certainty there for our exporters about the future.
A landmark New Zealand trial has confirmed what many farmers have long suspected - that strategic spring nitrogen use not only boosts pasture growth but delivers measurable gains in lamb growth and ewe condition.
It was recently announced that former MP and Southland farmer Eric Roy has stepped down of New Zealand Pork after seven years. Leo Argent talks with Eric about his time at the organisation and what the future may hold.