Citrus NZ urges Kiwis to support local growers
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
The worker scheme known as Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) last year benefitted the Pacific Islands by at least $50 million, says Horticulture New Zealand (HNZ).
And RSE also helped the horticulture industry to keep up with production, says HNZ’s chief executive Mike Chapman.
“It’s because of the scheme’s success and vital role in our industry that we would like to see the scheme expand and more Pacific people be able to take up opportunities in NZ,” said Chapman, who attended the RSE Conference in Vanuatu in July.
“It’s hard to understand without seeing it firsthand the huge difference money earned through the scheme makes.
“It is used in the Pacific to build cyclone resistant housing, pay for education, and set up businesses such as coconut pressing and furniture construction, plus the more common tourist accommodation and tour businesses.”
Chapman says the scheme helps NZ growers to find enough people to harvest their fruit and vegetables, particularly at the peak of the season.
“Without the scheme the labour shortages our industry faces would be a lot worse.”
The latest Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) survey of employers in the RSE scheme found that 96% agreed the benefits of participating in the scheme outweighed the costs. Employers also continued to rate RSE workers highly in their dependability, productivity and enthusiasm.
“RSE employers in the horticulture industry take their responsibilities seriously. Most go beyond the minimum requirements to ensure workers are well looked after and supported in NZ, and learn skills they can take home,” Chapman said.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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