Time to flip the levy-payer industry-good body model
OPINION: Industry good organisations have long played a key role in supporting New Zealand’s primary industries.
A recently released report showing Kiwis are buying more organic product from their local supermarket is good news.
The news is a welcome message for organic fruit and vegetable growers, says Horticulture New Zealand.
The Organics Aotearoa Organic Market Report 2016 shows continuing growth in markets for organic fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly in supermarkets, up 127% in four years.
"What is good about that figure for horticulture is it shows shoppers are thinking more about what they put in their shopping trollies," says HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman.
"That's a good trend for all the producers serving the New Zealand domestic market.
"Buying organic goes hand-in-hand with buying healthy, and buying local. All of which we are here to encourage."
Horticulture products have always been key to growth in the New Zealand organics sector, which ranges across all kinds of food, beverages and other grocery and healthcare products.
Fresh fruit and vegetables account for more than 45% of total organic exports.
"What we need to see now is support from government to help with regulating labelling of these products, both as organic, and with their country of origin," Chapman says.
"Regardless of the strength in the domestic organics market, it is still totally unacceptable for Kiwi shoppers to have to try and figure out what 'organic' actually means."
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.