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.
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman says his organisation wrote to the Prime Minister when the lockdown was first announced asking for independent retailers to be allowed to open during Alert Level 3.
He says in Auckland independent retailers account for 60% of sales to the public and also sell culturally significant fresh fruit and vegetables to their communities, which aren’t readily available in supermarkets.
In the letter, HortNZ tells the PM that in Auckland a large number of households in the poorer outer suburbs have lost the ability to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from their local retailers at affordable prices. They also warned the PM about the financial effect on growers.
As Rural News went to press on late last week, Chapman says they have not received a response from Ardern – only notice that the matter had been handed on to Minister Phil Twyford for his consideration.
“They need to get their act together because the longer the delay, the more food that is wasted and that is absolutely absurd.”
Chapman says it’s clear the MoH don’t understand the supply chain. He says the border is based on the Auckland super city boundaries, but a more sensible approach would have been to consider the actual commercial growing production areas.Chapman told Rural News that the MoH never asked for any advice and they seem to be controlling it in their own way.
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.
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